Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in August

Retail sales at bookstores were up by 3.4 percent in August 2014 compared to August 2013, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

August 2014 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,685 million, compared to sales of $1,629 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in August are estimated at $455.6 billion, compared to $441 billion in August 2013, an increase of 3.3 percent.

(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.