February retail sales at bookstores decreased 3.1 percent compared to February 2012, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. February’s decline follows five consecutive months of increases.

February 2013 bookstore sales are estimated at $963 million, compared to sales of $994 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in February are estimated at $380.3 billion, compared to $376.7 billion in February 2012, an increase of 1 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.