June retail sales at bookstores decreased by 9.5 percent compared to June 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Year-to-date sales are down 1.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

June 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $829 million, compared to sales of $916 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in June are estimated at $422 billion, compared to $405 billion in June 2012, an increase of 4.1 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.