Bookstore Sales Up for Fifth Consecutive Month

For the fifth consecutive month, retail sales at bookstores exceeded last year's results. Preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census show an increase in bookstore sales in November 2007 of 7.5 percent compared to November 2006.

November 2007 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,186 million, compared to sales of $1,103 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also adjusted its preliminary estimates of October 2007 figures downward slightly, from $1,105 million to $1,103 million, making the percentage change in bookstore sales this October an increase of 7.8 percent.

Overall total retail and food service sales were also up in November. Retail sales were $360.8 billion in November 2007, compared to $384.0 billion in November 2006, an increase of 6.5 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.