May Bookstore Sales Show Slight Improvement

After three months of decline, May 2006 retail sales at bookstores reflected a small increase over sales in May 2005, according to recently released Census Bureau estimates. May bookstore sales of $1,111 million were 1.2 percent better than the $1,098 million reported in May 2005.

Although not a substantial gain, the increase kept bookstore sales for the year to date just above those for the same period in 2005.

Once again, however, the increase in overall retail sales far outpaced bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $380 billion for May 2006 were 9.2 percent better than the $348 billion of May 2005.

(p) Preliminary figure

Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstore, including trade, college, religious, chain stores (including superstores), and others. A bookstore is defined as any retail establishment with sales comprised of more than 50 percent new books and periodicals, and estimates include sales of all products in these stores.

Source: Bureau of the Census, Current Retail Trade Branch.

Notice of Revision: Monthly retail sales were revised based on the results of the 2004 Annual Retail Trade Survey and results from the 2002 Census of Retail Trade. The Annual Revision of Monthly Retail and Food Services showing revised unadjusted and adjusted data was released on March 30, 2006.