Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in May

May retail sales at bookstores dropped one percent compared to May 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

May 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $953 million, compared to sales of $963 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in May are estimated at $445 billion, compared to $423 billion in May 2012, an increase of 5.2 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.