Bookstore Sales Up Again in August

Preliminary figures released by the Bureau of the Census show an increase in retail sales at bookstores in August 2007 of 9.3 percent compared to August 2006. August bookstore sales are estimated at $2,286 million, compared to sales of $2,091 million for the same period last year.

Spurred by sales of the seventh and final title in the Harry Potter series, August figures represent the second consecutive month that bookstore sales outpaced the previous year's results; however, the gains were not enough to offset completely the decline over the first six months. Bookstore sales for the year to date remain a little more than half a percentage point below 2006 levels.

Overall total retail and food service sales were also up in August. Retail sales were $395 billion in August 2007, compared to $379 billion in August 2006, an increase of 4.2 percent.

(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.