Industry Statistics

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 7 percent in March 2019 compared to March 2018, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of May 15, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are even with 2018.

On April 25, booksellers received an e-mail from ABA with a link to a survey from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the Advocates for Independent Business. Answers to the survey are due by May 8.

On Thursday, April 25, booksellers will receive an e-mail from ABA with a link to a survey from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the Advocates for Independent Business.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 6.4 percent in February 2019 compared to February 2018, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of April 18, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are even with 2018.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 10.6 percent in January 2019 compared to January 2018, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of March 27, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are up nearly one percent over 2018.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were up by 9.2 percent in December 2018 compared to December 2017, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were up by 10 percent in November 2018 compared to November 2017, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

The recent panel featured Michael Becher of Industry Insights, the company that assists ABA in compiling the ABACUS report; Brian O’Leary of the Book Industry Study Group; and Allison Risbridger of NPD Group. 

Here, ABA’s CEO reflects on the bustling holiday shopping season at indie bookstores and looks ahead to the upcoming Winter Institute.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were up by 7.7 percent in October 2018 compared to October 2017, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of December 19, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are up nearly 5 percent over 2017.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 0.9 percent in September 2018 compared to September 2017, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of November 15, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are up more than five percent over 2017.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 1 percent in August 2018 compared to August 2017, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. As of October 10, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are up just over five percent over 2017.