Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 6.4 percent in February 2019 compared to February 2018, 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.

As of April 18, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are even with 2018.

The Census Bureau reported that February 2019 bookstore sales are estimated at $626 million, compared to sales of $669 million for the same period the previous year. Total retail and food service sales in February 2019 are estimated at $446.7 billion, compared to $437.5 billion in February 2018, an increase of 2.1 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.