Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 6 percent in November 2017 compared to November 2016, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstores, including trade, college, religious, chain stores (including superstores), and others.

Year-end 2017 sales for independent bookstores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, were up 2.6 percent over 2016.

The Census Bureau reported that November 2017 bookstore sales are estimated at $699 million, compared to sales of $744 million for the same period last year. Total retail and food service sales in November 2017 are estimated at $500.2 billion, compared to $469.3 billion in November 2016, an increase of 6.6 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.