Question: Retail Sales Statistics
Answer: Retail sales were $3.9 trillion in 2010, up 6.7% since 2009. (Source: Census Bureau, Retail Sales by Quarter, Seasonally Adjusted)
The largest category of retail sales (20%) is auto and auto parts stores. Department and discount stores comprise 13%, while grocery stores are slightly less. Gas stations and restaurants are slightly less than 10% each. Apparel stores and drugstores come in at 5% each. Furniture stores and consumer electronics are around 2.5% each.
The most important time of the year in retail sales is the holiday shopping season, which starts the day after Thanksgiving. Nearly 20% of retail sales occur from Black Friday through Christmas.Retailing FAQ
- What Is Retailing?
- What Are Important Retail Sales Statistics?
- How Much Are Holiday Retail Sales?
- How Important Is Online Retailing?
- What Are Some Consumer Spending Trends and Habits?
