Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Revision 2006
E-Commerce Sales

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 (MRTS) 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. Our new sample was first canvassed with the 2005 Annual Retail Trade Survey. For further information on the sampling process, please see our technical documentation on the MRTS at http://www.census.gov/mrts/www/techdocumentation.html.

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 were e-commerce estimates from the new sample released?

The initial e-commerce estimates from the new sample were released on February 16, 2007, and presented data for the 4th Quarter 2006.

When were monthly sales and inventory estimates from the new sample released?

The initial estimates from the new sample were released on December 13, 2006, and presented data for the October 2006 data month.

Prior to this date, there was a special release presenting previous month data based on the new sample. This release restated unadjusted preliminary data for September 2006, as well as adjusted data for September 2006, August 2006, October 2005, and September 2005. The release was made available on November 30, 2006.

 

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: February 16, 2007