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- U.S. Retail Sales Top $5,570 Billion
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 13, 2022
Press Release Number CB22-TPS.03
JAN. 13, 2022 — Retail sales (NAICS 44-45) for the nation increased 3.1% from $5,402.3 billion in 2019 to $5,570.4 billion in 2020, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS).
Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses (NAICS 4541) had $888.5 billion in sales in 2020, up 35.2% from 2019. This was the largest year-to-year increase of any industry in 2020.
Other highlights:
- Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers’ (NAICS 441) sales decreased 2.4% from $1,237.7 billion in 2019 to $1,208.3 billion in 2020.
- Grocery Store sales (NAICS 4451) increased 9.4% from $694.3 billion in 2019 to $759.7 billion in 2020.
- Gasoline Station (NAICS 447) sales decreased 16.6% from $513.5 billion in 2019 to $428.1 billion in 2020.
The Census Bureau has been conducting the ARTS since 1952. This survey includes 16,500 employer businesses that sell directly to consumers classified in the retail trade sector in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. It does not include data for businesses in U.S. territories. Firms without paid employees (nonemployers) are included based on administrative data provided by other federal agencies and through imputation.
The data are published on a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) basis. They are used to benchmark monthly retail sale and inventory estimates each spring used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other federal agencies to develop related products.
The ARTS includes statistics for total annual sales, total and e-commerce sales, total and e-commerce sales by merchandise line for NAICS 4541, sales taxes, end-of-year inventories, purchases, total operating expenses and gross margins for retail businesses. Sales, inventory, quarterly e-commerce and state retail sales data are also available in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey.
No news release associated with this product. Tip sheet only.
###
Contact
Julie Iriondo
Public Information Office
301-763-3030 or
877-861-2010 (U.S. and Canada only)
pio@census.gov
Page Last Revised - January 13, 2022
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As an expert in data analysis and government statistics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in interpreting and understanding official data sources. My expertise includes a deep understanding of the United States Census Bureau and its various surveys and programs.
Let's delve into the information presented in the article "U.S. Retail Sales Top $5,570 Billion," published by the U.S. Census Bureau on January 13, 2022.
Key Concepts and Information:
-
Retail Sales Growth:
- Retail sales for the nation increased by 3.1% from $5,402.3 billion in 2019 to $5,570.4 billion in 2020.
- This information is derived from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS).
-
Industry Highlights:
- Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses (NAICS 4541) experienced significant growth, with sales increasing by 35.2% from 2019 to 2020. This sector reached $888.5 billion in sales in 2020.
- Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers’ (NAICS 441) sales decreased by 2.4% from $1,237.7 billion in 2019 to $1,208.3 billion in 2020.
- Grocery Store sales (NAICS 4451) increased by 9.4% from $694.3 billion in 2019 to $759.7 billion in 2020.
- Gasoline Station (NAICS 447) sales decreased by 16.6% from $513.5 billion in 2019 to $428.1 billion in 2020.
-
Survey Details:
- The U.S. Census Bureau has been conducting the Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS) since 1952.
- The survey includes 16,500 employer businesses that sell directly to consumers in the retail trade sector across the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- It does not include data for businesses in U.S. territories. Nonemployer businesses are included based on administrative data provided by other federal agencies and through imputation.
-
Data Utilization:
- The data collected through the ARTS are used to benchmark monthly retail sale and inventory estimates each spring.
- These estimates are utilized by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and other federal agencies to develop related products.
-
Available Statistics:
- The ARTS includes statistics for total annual sales, total and e-commerce sales, total and e-commerce sales by merchandise line for NAICS 4541, sales taxes, end-of-year inventories, purchases, total operating expenses, and gross margins for retail businesses.
- Sales, inventory, quarterly e-commerce, and state retail sales data are also available in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey.
-
Contact Information:
- For further information, individuals can contact Julie Iriondo from the Public Information Office at the U.S. Census Bureau.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. retail sales landscape in 2020, offering insights into industry-specific performance and overall economic trends. The data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau play a crucial role in shaping government policies and aiding decision-making processes at various federal agencies.
