The retail sales report measures the total receipts from all retail stores in a given country. These measurements come from a diverse sample of retail stores across the nation. This report is very useful because it is a timely indicator of broad consumer spending patterns adjusted for seasonal variables. It can be used to predict the performance of more important lagging indicators, and to assess the immediate direction of the economy. Continued revisions to the retail sales report can cause significant volatility. Retail sales reports can be compared to the sales activity of a public company.

Retail sales is the selling of goods by retailers to consumers in small quantities. Retailers purchase the goods from manufacturers or wholesalers, then sell them to individuals who need them. Typically, retail stores are located within an area that is convenient for shoppers, such as shopping mall or strip malls.

Retail trade is the sale of goods from a business to customers for personal, household, or other use. It can be done via a physical store, an online store, a door-to-door service, or a mail order catalog. Retailers may also sell goods through wholesale. Retailers typically purchase goods from manufacturers and put them on their shelves for customers to take as they need them. The retailer makes additional profit from markup on those items.