Bookstore Sales Up for 8th Consecutive Month

Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census reflect an increase in bookstore sales in February 2008 of 11.4 percent, compared to February 2007. This was the eighth consecutive month that retail sales at bookstores exceeded the previous year's results.

February 2008 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,128 million, compared to sales of $1,013 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also adjusted its preliminary estimates of January 2008 figures downward slightly, from $2,278 million to $2,275 million, bringing the increase in bookstore sales this past January to 4.6 percent.

Overall total retail and food service sales were also up in February. Retail sales were $351 billion in February 2008, compared to $327.6 billion in February 2007, 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.