Retail Sales at Bookstores Up in May

Retail sales at bookstores were up by 0.9 percent in May 2015 compared to May 2014, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

May 2015 bookstore sales are estimated at $766 million, compared to sales of $759 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in May 2015 are estimated at $461.9 billion, compared to $458.7 billion in May 2014, an increase of 0.7 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.