“Car and car parts dealers (NAICS 441) had sales of $1.0 trillion, representing an increase of 6.5 percent over the previous year, according to new statistics released today from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 Annual Retail Trade Survey. Statistics presented for the entire retail trade sector show (NAICS 44-45) food services and drinking places (NAICS 722) increased 4.2 percent from $5.0 trillion in 2013 to $5.2 trillion in 2014. The Annual Retail Trade Survey has been conducted each year since 1952 and covers approximately 22,000 employer businesses classified in the retail trade sector and accommodation and food services sector in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Other highlights:

• New car dealers (NAICS 44111) had sales of $785.1 billion in 2014, up 6.8 percent from $735.1 billion in 2013.
• Gasoline stations’ (NAICS 447) sales decreased for the second consecutive year, from $547.5 billion in 2013 to $534.7 billion in 2014, or 2.4 percent.
• Retail sales for food and beverage stores (NAICS 445) increased for the fifth consecutive year, climbing 4.5 percent to $669.9 billion. Sales for grocery stores (NAICS 4451) increased 4.4 percent to $599.7 billion.
• Sales for nonstore retailers (NAICS 454) rose 8.5 percent to $470.2 billion; electronic shopping and mail order houses (NAICS 4541) had a 10.1 percent increase in sales to $386.1 billion.
• Sales and inventory data are also available through the Monthly Retail Trade Survey“