We are a nation of shoppers. An estimated two-thirds of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product is generated by retail consumption, making it the prime driver of this country's economy. In 2009, retail sales reached $2.96 trillion, excluding food service, cars and auto parts. E-commerce accounted for$145 billion of that year's total. How much we spend, which type of products we buy, and where they are purchased is tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Department of Commerce then analyzes the results and issues its analysis.
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