"Retail sales (annual rate) refers to the growth rate of the total sales of goods and services provided by retail enterprises in a country or region in a year relative to the same period of the previous year. This indicator is mainly used to measure the growth rate of consumer spending and economic growth Consumption demand. Usually expressed as a percentage.

The formula for calculating the annual rate of retail sales is:

(total retail sales of the current year - total retail sales of the previous year) / total retail sales of the previous year × 100%

For example, if a country had total retail sales of $100 billion in the previous year and $110 billion in the current year, the country's annual retail sales would be:

(1100 - 1000) / 1000 × 100% = 10%

The annual rate of retail sales is one of the important indicators to measure the consumption demand and economic activity level of a country or region. A high annual rate of retail sales indicates an increase in consumer demand for goods and services, and a negative one indicates a decline in consumer demand. At the same time, the annual rate of retail sales can also reflect the contribution of a country or region's economic growth and consumer spending. In terms of analyzing economic development trends and policy formulation, the annual rate of retail sales is widely used to assess economic conditions and formulate corresponding regulatory measures.

In short, the annual rate of retail sales is an important economic indicator that can reflect the level and trend of consumer demand and economic activity. It not only plays an important role in economic analysis and policy formulation, but also can provide important reference and basis to help enterprises and governments make more informed decisions. "