[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2112-2113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-772]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census
[Docket Number 000103001-0001-01]
RIN 0607-XX51


Annual Retail Trade Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of Determination.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (U.S. Census Bureau) is conducting 
the Annual Retail Trade Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau has determined 
that it needs to collect data covering annual sales, e-commerce sales, 
percent of e-commerce sales to customers located outside the United 
States, year-end inventories, purchases, accounts receivables, and, for 
select industries, merchandise line sales, and percent of sales by 
class of customer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Scheleur or Dorothy Engleking,

[[Page 2113]]

Service Sector Statistics Division, on (301) 457-2713.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Annual Retail Trade 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 inventories for 1998 
and 1999. These data are not available publicly on a timely basis from 
nongovernmental or other governmental sources.
    The U.S. 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 1999 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 U.S. 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, Sections 182, 224, and 225. 
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. These data will 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.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) control number. In accordance with the PRA, 44 United States 
Code, Chapter 35, the OMB approved the Annual Retail Trade Survey under 
OMB Control Number 0607-0013. We will furnish report forms to 
organizations included in the survey, and additional copies are 
available on written request to the Director, U.S. Census Bureau, 
Washington, DC 20233-0101.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that an annual survey be 
conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

    Dated: December 27, 1999.
Kenneth Prewitt,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 00-772 Filed 1-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P