Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in August

Retail sales at bookstores were up by 2 percent in August 2016 compared to August 2015, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

August 2016 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,665 million, compared to sales of $1,633 million for the same period last year.

For the first eight months of 2016, retail sales at bookstores are up 4.5 percent, reaching $7,853 million compared to $7,512 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in August 2016 are estimated at $471.4 billion, compared to $456.3 billion in August 2015, an increase of 3.3 percent.

(p) Preliminary figure

Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstores, 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.