July retail sales at bookstores decreased by 6.3 percent compared to July 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Year-to-date sales are down 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

July 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $808 million, compared to sales of $862 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in July are estimated at $429 billion, compared to $400 billion in July 2012, an increase of 7.2 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.