[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 26, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60090-60091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30178]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[Docket No. 961107313-6313-01]
RIN 0607-XX23


Annual Retail Trade Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of determination.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Title 13, United States Code, Sections 182, 
224, and 225, I have determined that the Census Bureau needs to collect 
data covering annual sales, year-end inventories, purchases, and 
accounts receivable to provide a sound statistical basis for the 
formation of policy by various government agencies. These data also 
apply to a variety of public and business needs. This annual survey is 
a continuation of similar retail trade surveys conducted each year 
since 1951 (except 1954). It provides, on a comparable classification 
basis, annual sales, year-end inventories, purchases, and accounts 
receivable balances for 1995 and 1996. These data are not available 
publicly on a timely basis from nongovernmental or other governmental 
sources.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Piencykoski or Dorothy 
Engleking, Services Division, on (301) 457-2713.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Census Bureau is authorized to take 
surveys necessary to furnish current data on the subjects covered by 
the major censuses authorized by Title 13, United States Code. This 
survey will provide continuing and timely national statistical data on 
retail trade for the period between economic censuses. The data 
collected in this survey will be within the general scope and nature of 
those inquiries covered in the economic censuses.
    The Census Bureau will require a selected sample of firms operating 
retail establishments in the United States (with sales size determining 
the probability of selection) to report in the 1996 Annual Retail Trade 
Survey. We

[[Page 60091]]

will furnish report forms to the firms covered by this survey and will 
require their submissions within thirty days after receipt. The sample 
will provide, with measurable reliability, statistics on the subjects 
specified above.
    This survey was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB), and approved under OMB control number 0607-0013 in accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act, Public Law 104-13. We will provide 
copies of the form upon written request to the Director, Bureau of the 
Census, Washington, D.C. 20233.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that the Annual Retail 
Trade Survey be conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

    Dated: November 7, 1996.
Martha Farnsworth Riche,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 96-30178 Filed 11-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P