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These figures, reported by the Commerce Department, also include subgroups, such as durable goods, department stores, and a category labeled general merchandise, apparel and furniture. The figures are not adjusted for seasonal variations or inflation. Increases in retail sales can indicate a more robust economy. However, sales around the holiday season should not be held up against sales earlier in the year, as buying activity increases at the end of the year. Preliminary figures are released approximately 55 days after the close of a month. Revised figures are released approximately 85 days after the close of a month. The numbers cover the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), instead of the more-recently established Primary Metropolian Statistical Area (PMSA).

Retail Sales
In millions of dollars

Month	1/94	2/94	3/94	4/94	5/94	6/94
Amount	2,820	2,877	3,377	3,360	3,496	3,416
Month	7/94	8/94	9/94	10/94	11/94	12/94
Amount	3,338	3,507	3,348	3,397	3,506	4,444
Month	1/95	2/95	3/95	4/95	5/95	6/95
Amount	3,096	2,931	3,475	3,407	3,623	3,665
Month	7/95	8/95	9/95	10/95	11/95	12/95
Amount	3,419	3,567	3,406	3,420	3,622	4,402
Month	1/96	2/96	3/96	4/96	5/96	6/96
Amount	2,978	3,212	3,547	3,563	3,862	3,676
Month	7/96	8/96	9/96	10/96	11/96	12/96
Amount	3,568	3,807	3,544	3,877	3,884	4,617

* Indicates preliminary figures. Revised figures will be released the next month.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce