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September Bookstore Sales Off Slightly
After two months of modest gains, bookstore sales in September took a slight downward turn. Bookstore sales in September were off by 2.9 percent. Year-to-date sales are down 2.3 percent.
Overall retail sales continue to be robust and continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $342 billion for September 2005 were 7.2 percent ahead of the $319 billion reported in September of 2004.
2004-2005 RETAIL SALES for BOOKSTORES |
Period |
2004 Final |
2005 |
% Change |
January |
2,070 |
1,969 |
(4.9) |
February |
1,072 |
1,027 |
(4.2) |
March |
1,036 |
1,038 |
0.2 |
April |
987 |
940 |
(4.8) |
May |
1,071 |
1,055 |
(1.5) |
June |
1,159 |
1,084 |
(6.5) |
July |
1,128 |
1,138 |
0.9 |
August |
2,043 |
2,079 |
1.8 |
September |
1,493 |
1,450 (p) |
(2.9) |
YTD |
12,059 |
11,780 |
(2.3) |
(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.