Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in June

Retail sales at bookstores were up by 5 percent in June 2016 compared to June 2015, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

June 2016 bookstore sales are estimated at $770 million, compared to sales of $733 million for the same period last year.

For the first six months of 2016, retail sales at bookstores are up 6.1 percent, reaching $5,442 million compared to $5,127 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in June 2016 are estimated at $463.8 billion, compared to $448.2 billion in June 2015, an increase of 3.5 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.