Modest Gain in Bookstore Sales in August

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According to preliminary figures released by the Bureau of the Census, for the second month in a row, retail sales at bookstores showed a modest gain over the same period last year. Retail sales at bookstores in August were up 1.9 percent over August of last year. However, to date, bookstore sales are down 2.2 percent for the year.

Overall retail sales remain strong and continue to outperform bookstore sales. Overall retail sales of $365 billion for August 2005 were 9.9 percent ahead of the $332 billion reported in August 2004.

2004 - 2005 RETAIL SALES for BOOKSTORES
(unadjusted)

Period

2004 Final
(Millions of Dollars)

2005
(Millions of Dollars)

% Change
2005 over 2004

January

2,070

1,969

(4.9)

February

1,072

1,027

(4.2)

March

1,036

1,038

0.2

April

987

940

(4.8)

May

1,071

1,055

(1.5)

June

1,159

1,084

(6.5)

July

1,128

1,138

0.9

August

2,043

2,081(p)

1.9

YTD

10,566

10,332

(2.2)

(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.

Source: Bureau of the Census, Current Retail Trade Branch.

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