[Federal Register: November 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 229)]
[Notices]               
[Page 66799]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28no03-40]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census

[Docket Number 031113278-3278-01]

 
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.

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 2003 and year-end 
inventories for 2002 and 2003. These data are not available publicly on 
a timely basis from nongovernmental or other governmental sources.
    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 2003 Annual Retail Trade 
Survey. We will furnish report forms to the firms covered by this 
survey and will require their submissions within 30 days after receipt. 
The sample will provide, with measurable reliability, statistics on the 
subjects specified above.
    The Census Bureau is authorized to take surveys that are 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 
2003, 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 24, 2003.
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 03-29653 Filed 11-26-03; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-07-P