Bookstore Sales Up Again in May

Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census reflect an increase in bookstore sales in May 2008 of 2.6 percent, compared to May 2007. May 2008 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,154 million, compared to sales of $1,125 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also adjusted its preliminary estimates of April 2008 bookstore sales upward to $1,002 million, putting them at 8.2 percent above April 2007.

Overall total retail and food service sales were also up in May. Preliminary estimates of retail sales were $405.4 billion in May 2008, compared to $395.5 billion in May 2007, an increase of 2.5 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.