Bookstore Sales Slip in August

After four consecutive months of sales increases, August retail sales at bookstores were down 0.8 percent compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

August 2012 bookstore sales are estimated at $2,382 million, compared to sales of $2,402 million in August 2011.

Total retail and food service sales in August 2012 are estimated at $423 billion, compared to $399 billion in August 2011, an increase of 6 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.