Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Revision 2006
Monthly Retail Trade Survey

What is a sample revision?

The Census Bureau periodically redesigns and reselects the samples for its business surveys to reflect the results of the latest Economic Census. The Monthly Retail Trade Survey is being revised to reflect the 2002 Economic Census of Retail Trade and more recent data from the Business Register. This ensures that our sample is representative of the current retail industry. Revising the sample also allows the Census Bureau to redistribute the burden of reporting for small and medium sized companies.

How often is the sample revised?

The sample is revised approximately every five years. During the life of the sample, we apply quarterly updates which are designed to account for new businesses (births) and businesses which discontinue operations (deaths).

When will estimates from the new sample be released?

The initial estimates from the new sample are scheduled for release on December 13, 2006, and will present data for the October 2006 data month.

There was a special release on November 30 restating historical estimates based on the new sample. This release will restate unadjusted preliminary data for September 2006, as well as adjusted data for September 2006, August 2006, October 2005, and September 2005.

 

 

Any further questions can be emailed to the Monthly Retail Trade Survey.

 

  

Source: U. S. Census Bureau 
            Service Sector Statistics Division
            Monthly Retail Trade

Last Revised: December 07, 2006