Retail Sales at Bookstores Drop in June

June retail sales at bookstores decreased by 9.5 percent compared to June 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Year-to-date sales are down 1.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

June 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $829 million, compared to sales of $916 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in June are estimated at $422 billion, compared to $405 billion in June 2012, an increase of 4.1 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.