Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in December, Up in 2016

Retail sales at bookstores were down by 3.1 percent in December 2016 compared to December 2015, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

December 2016 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,409 million, compared to sales of $1,454 million for the same period last year.

For the year, total retail sales at bookstores were up 2.6 percent, reaching $11,981 million in 2016 compared to $11,683 million last year.

Total retail and food service sales in December 2016 are estimated at $541.8 billion, compared to $518.3 billion in December 2015, an increase of 4.5 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.