Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in July

July retail sales at bookstores decreased by 6.3 percent compared to July 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Year-to-date sales are down 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

July 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $808 million, compared to sales of $862 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in July are estimated at $429 billion, compared to $400 billion in July 2012, an increase of 7.2 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.