[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 6, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 67601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28186]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census

[Docket Number 021028259-2259-01]


Annual Retail Trade Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of determination.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is conducting the 
Annual Retail Trade Survey. The 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. The Census Bureau is collecting this data because the detail 
provided is not available from any other source and this data provides 
valuable information for both the government as well as the public and 
industry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Piesto, Service Sector 
Statistics Division, on (301) 763-2747.

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, e-commerce sales, and purchases for 2002 and year-end 
inventories for 2001 and 2002. These data are not available publicly on 
a timely basis from non-governmental or other governmental sources.
    The Census Bureau will require a selected sample of firms operating 
retail establishments in the United States to report in the 2002 Annual 
Retail Trade Survey. Sales size will determine the probability of a 
firm's selection; that is, larger firms will have a greater probability 
of being selected than smaller ones. 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 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. For 
2002, the economic census year, the survey will, as it has in the past, 
operate as a separate sample of retail companies. The data collected in 
this survey will be similar to that collected in the past and 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. 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: November 1, 2002.
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 02-28186 Filed 11-5-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P