Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in February

Retail sales at bookstores were up by 7.2 percent in February 2016 compared to February 2015, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

February 2016 bookstore sales are estimated at $732 million, compared to sales of $683 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in February 2016 are estimated at $412.3 billion, compared to $385.7 billion in February 2015, an increase of 6.9 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.