Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in August

Retail sales at bookstores were down by 4.0 percent in August 2015 compared to August 2014, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

August 2015 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,550 million, compared to sales of $1,615 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in August 2015 are estimated at $456.5 billion, compared to $450.4 billion in August 2014, an increase of 1.4 percent.

(p) Preliminary figure

Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstores, 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.