Bookstore Sales Dip Slightly in July

Retail sales at bookstores were down by 0.5 percent in July 2009 as compared to July 2008, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. July 2009 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,109 million, compared to sales of $1,115 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also raised its preliminary estimate of June 2009 figures, from $1,101 million to $1,103 million. The adjustment puts bookstore sales this past June at 3.6 percent above June 2008.

Overall total retail and food service sales were down by 8.2 percent in July. Overall retail sales were $354.4 billion in July 2009 compared to $386 billion in July 2008.

(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.