Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS)

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Published: 2026-09-04T01:00:19.092Z • Permanent link

Census Bureau officials have released the results of the Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS), providing a comprehensive snapshot of the US retail sector. The survey, which covers the period from January 2022 to December 2022, reveals a complex and dynamic retail landscape. According to the data, total retail sales reached $3.63 trillion in 2022, up 3.2% from the previous year. Online sales accounted for 14.4% of total retail sales, a significant increase from 2021.

Key players in the retail sector, including Walmart and Amazon, have been closely monitoring the survey results, as the data provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and shopping habits. For instance, a significant increase in online sales can be attributed to the growing demand for e-commerce services among American consumers. Moreover, the survey data highlights the resilience of brick-and-mortar stores, with many retailers experiencing steady sales growth despite the ongoing pandemic.

Notably, the survey results have sparked concerns among policymakers and researchers regarding the long-term impact of the pandemic on the retail sector. Dr. Rachel Lee, a leading economist at the University of California, Berkeley, pointed out that the survey data suggests a significant shift towards online shopping, which may have long-term implications for the retail industry. Lee emphasized that the survey results underscore the need for policymakers to develop strategies that support the growth of e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores alike.

The release of the ARTS survey has significant implications for companies operating in the retail sector. Walmart, for instance, has already begun to invest heavily in its e-commerce platform, with plans to expand its online services and improve its logistics capabilities. Similarly, Amazon has been working to improve its supply chain management and reduce costs, in an effort to maintain its competitive edge in the market.

The survey results also have implications for research communities, who will be studying the data to better understand consumer behavior and shopping habits. Dr. Mark Davis, a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan, noted that the survey data provides valuable insights into the ways in which consumers are responding to changes in the retail sector. Davis emphasized that the survey results highlight the need for researchers to develop new theories and models that can explain the complex interactions between consumers, retailers, and policymakers.

The survey results also have significant implications for markets and policy environments. The growth of e-commerce has raised concerns among policymakers regarding the potential for market concentration and the impact on small retailers. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into Amazon's market dominance, citing concerns about the potential for anticompetitive practices. Similarly, policymakers are exploring new regulations to support the growth of brick-and-mortar stores and promote local commerce.