Value of the consumer bundle: a data‐series set

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide long‐run annual series of the value of the consumer bundle and related variables. Design/methodology/approach – Benchmark data are assembled for each of the variables. Interpolative techniques are used to obtain values for missing years. Findings – Continuous annual series for 1900‐2004 are developed for value of the consumer bundle, number of consumer units, and average size of the consumer unit. Behavior of the series over time is consistent with what economic and demographic experience would suggest. Originality/value – Generation of long‐run series as extensions of aggregate‐type data in the Consumer Expenditure Survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.