More data from the Chicago Fed’s Advance Retail Trade Summary (CARTS) release are now in FRED. These estimates of retail and food service sales (excluding some motor vehicles and parts) track the U.S. Census Bureau’s Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) on a weekly basis, providing an early snapshot of national retail spending.
Our ALFRED* graph above plots CARTS and MRTS data side by side between April 2025 and March 2026.
- The two lines in the graph look like a single line, which indicates the monthly averages of benchmarked weekly estimates from the Chicago Fed are identical to the figures reported by the Census.
- The graph also shows the CARTS data projection beyond the latest MRTS data. These estimates allow economic researchers and policymakers to make early assessments of trends in consumer purchases using higher-frequency data.
CARTS data in FRED go back to January 2018 and also include series about inflation-adjusted estimated retail sales figures, a price index of retail sales, and projections for both.
*Happy Birthday, ALFRED! For 20 years, ArchivaL FRED has taken people back in time to see the data that were available on specific dates. Learn more about how it can help you understand economic history.
How this graph was created: Search ALFRED for and select “Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers.” Click on the “Edit Graph” button and select the “Add Line” tab to search for “Chicago Fed Advance Retail Trade Summary: Retail and Food Services Sales Excluding Autos.” Don’t forget to click on “Add data series.” Select the “Edit Lines” tab to change Line 2’s data frequency to “Monthly.”
Suggested by Diego Mendez-Carbajo.