While overall holiday sales ranged from slightly down to solid gains at bookstores across the country, sales of Book Sense gift cards showed strong overall increases. According to gift card sales figures recently compiled by the American Booksellers Association, sales of Book Sense gift cards in November and December 2005 increased more than 38 percent over the same period last year. Total gift card sales for the final two months of the year totaled over $3 million. Sales (both activations and increments) since the program's inception in October 2003 have reached almost $11 million.

November 2005 retail sales at bookstores rebounded after a weak performance in October, according to recent estimates from the Bureau of the Census. Figures released this week put November 2005 bookstore sales at $1,065 million, 2.0 percent above November 2004. Year-to-date sales at bookstores are down 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Overall retail sales in November 2005 were $353 billion, up 7.0 percent compared to the previous November.

Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census, Current Retail Trade Branch indicate that October bookstore sales were 5.1 percent below those for the same period in 2004, marking the second worst decline of the year so far. Year-to-date sales at bookstores are down 2.5 percent.

In contrast, overall retail sales continued an upward trend. Overall retail sales of $345 billion for October 2005 were 5.8 percent ahead of the $326 billion reported in October 2004.

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.

For the past three years, in an effort to help booksellers increase their profit margins, the American Booksellers Association has been gathering data on the financial operations of its member bookstores. Each year, these results have been published in a new ABACUS Study and participants have been sent customized store reports, which compare their financial performance with the performance of other stores based on more than 20 different criteria.

According to preliminary figures released by the Bureau of the Census, for the second month in a row, retail sales at bookstores showed a modest gain over the same period last year. Retail sales at bookstores in August were up 1.9 percent over August of last year. However, to date, bookstore sales are down 2.2 percent for the year.

Overall retail sales remain strong and continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $365 billion for August 2005 were 9.9 percent ahead of the $332 billion reported in August 2004.

At a September 28 press conference in New York City, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) offered a preview of its new study on used book sales, reporting that used books are one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, driven by large increases in online sales and characterized by positive purchasing experiences for consumers.

Among the key findings:

In 2004, there were $2.2 billion in used book sales, which was an 11.1 percent growth over 2003. Used book sales now comprise 8.4 percent of total consumer spending on books.

Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census, Current Retail Trade Branch put July retail sales at bookstores slightly ahead of the same period last year. July sales of $1,138 million were just 0.9 percent higher than July 2004. While not a significant increase, this is only the second time this year that monthly sales out paced the previous year's performance. Year-to-date sales at bookstores are down 3.2 percent.

Continuing the disappointing trend of the first half of this year, preliminary Census Bureau figures put May retail sales at bookstores at $1,056 million, a drop of 1.4 percent compared to May 2004. For the first five months of 2005, sales at bookstores are down 3.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

Overall retail sales are strong and continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $353 billion for May 2005 were 6.3 percent ahead of the $332 billion reported in May of 2004.

After a flat performance in March, April retail sales at bookstores were down five percent from the same period last year. Preliminary April 2005 bookstore sales were $938 million, compared to $987 million in April 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, retail sales at bookstores were 3.7 percent below 2004 figures.

Overall retail sales continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $343 billion for April 2005 were 7.5 percent ahead of the $319 billion reported in April of 2004.