Bookstore Sales in June Continue Downward Slide
Continuing a disappointing trend, preliminary census figures put June retail sales at bookstores at $1,159 million, a drop of 6.5 percent compared to June 2004. This is not good news in the wake of disappointing sales in four of the five previous months of 2005. Year-to-date sales are down 3.8 percent.
Overall retail sales continue strong and continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $360 billion for June 2005 were 10.4 percent ahead of the $326 billion reported in June 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(p) |
(6.5) |
YTD |
7,395 |
7,113 |
(3.8) |
(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.