Retail sales refer to the total sales of goods and services by retail stores to their customers. It is a critical economic indicator that reflects the level of consumer spending in an economy. Retail sales data is collected by national statistical agencies and is typically released on a monthly basis.

Retail sales data is closely monitored by economists, investors, and policymakers as it provides insight into the overall health of an economy. Strong retail sales figures indicate robust consumer spending, which drives economic growth, while weak retail sales figures suggest a slowdown in consumer spending and a potential economic downturn.

In addition, retail sales data is often broken down by product categories and regions, providing more specific information on consumer behavior and economic activity. This information can be used by businesses and investors to make more informed decisions about where to invest and which products to produce or sell.

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