[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 223 (Thursday, November 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 64234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30945]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census
[Docket No. 981109281-8281-01]


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, year-end inventories, purchases, 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 receivable for 1998 and 
year-end inventories for 1997 and 1998. 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 1998 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.
    The survey has been 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 Number 0607-
0013. We will provide copies of the form upon written request to the 
Director, Bureau of 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: November 10, 1998.
Kenneth Prewitt,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 98-30945 Filed 11-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P