Signals
The Blockbuster Index is calculated using a weighted combination of multiple signals, each reflecting a different aspect of the shift from physical to digital retail. Data is sourced from public APIs, web scraping, and official government sources.
Most signals use sliding window calculations to smooth out daily fluctuations, and scores are normalized by population to ensure fair comparisons between states. As more signals are added, the accuracy of the index will continue to improve over time.
Below are the current signals powering the index. Each one represents a unique perspective on how retail is evolving in the United States.
Amazon
Measures e-commerce adoption and digital retail presence by analyzing Amazon job posting patterns across all U.S. states.
BLS Brick-And-Mortar Retail
Analyzes brick-and-mortar retail employment trends using BLS QCEW data (1991–2024).
BLS E-commerce
Measures e-commerce and digital retail employment growth using BLS QCEW data (1991–2024).
Census
Provides a measure of physical retail market maturity using U.S. Census Bureau data on retail establishments.
Broadband
Measures the quality and reach of broadband infrastructure, a key enabler of digital commerce.
Walmart
Tracks traditional retail employment patterns by monitoring Walmart job postings, offering insights into the balance between traditional and digital retail.
