[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-215]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census
[Docket No. 971230316-7316-01]


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, purchases, year-end inventories, and 
accounts receivables 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, purchases, and accounts receivables for 1997 and 
year-end inventories for 1996 and 1997. 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 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 census.
    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 1997 Annual Retail Trade 
Survey. We 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) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, Public Law 96-
511, as amended, and approved under OMB Control No. 0607-0013. We will 
provide copies of the form upon written request to the Director, Bureau 
of the Census, Washington, DC 20233-0001.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that an annual survey be 
conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

    Dated: December 23, 1997.
Martha Farnsworth Riche,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 98-215 Filed 1-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P