Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in October

Retail sales at bookstores were down by 1 percent in October 2016 compared to October 2015, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

October 2016 bookstore sales are estimated at $774 million, compared to sales of $782 million for the same period last year.

For the first 10 months of 2016, retail sales at bookstores are up 3.6 percent, reaching $9,775 million compared to $9,436 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in October 2016 are estimated at $453.7 billion, compared to $445 billion in October 2015, an increase of 2 percent.

(p) Preliminary figure

Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstores, 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.