Bookstore Sales Up Again in May

For the second month in a row, retail sales at bookstores outpaced 2011.

May 2012 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,090 million, compared to sales of $1,031 million for the same period last year. The sales jumps in April and May made up for sales declines during the first three months of the year and put 2012 year-to-date sales on par with 2011.

Total retail and food service sales in May 2012 are estimated at $423.7 billion, compared to $396.1 billion in May 2011, an increase of 7 percent.
 

(p) Preliminary figure

Note: Estimates reflect sales of all types of participating bookstore, 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.