Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in September

After months of decline, September retail sales at bookstores were up by 6.3 percent compared to September 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Year-to-date sales remain down 1.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

September 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,298 million, compared to sales of $1,221 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in August are estimated at $403 billion, compared to $390 billion in September 2012, an increase of 3.3 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.