May retail sales at bookstores increased 1.6 percent, compared to May 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

On Thursday, the Commerce Department released figures that showed retail and food service sales in June rose by 0.1 percent from the previous month. Although the increase surprised economists, it was still “further evidence of the reluctance of consumers to spend,” said the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.

April retail sales at bookstores increased 1.8 percent, compared with April 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

Bowker reports number of print books increased in 2010; BISG begins search for new executive director; Blue Rider Press to publish in fall 2011; Lerner Publishing launches distribution company; Minimum advertised pricing on ASTRA agenda; Philip Roth wins Man Booker International Prize

March retail sales at bookstores decreased 5.8 percent, compared to March 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

February retail sales at bookstores increased 9.3 percent, compared to February 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

January retail sales at bookstores were down by 4.6 percent, compared to January 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

Survey finds most Americans prefer buying books at a store; Alliance for Main Street Fairness applauds Texas e-fairness bill; World Book Night is a resounding success; Candlewick launches new imprint

Retail sales at bookstores increased in December 2010, but remained down for the year.

Kristen McLean, former ABC executive director, now a consultant to ABA, offers insights and action points for booksellers based on the “The Children’s Book Consumer in the Digital Age,” a joint study by Bowker Pubtrack and ABC.