Bookstore Sales Down Again in May

For the fourth month in a row, retail sales at bookstores were down from the previous year. Bookstore sales decreased by three percent in May 2009 as compared to May 2008, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. May 2009 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,107 million, compared to sales of $1,141 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also adjusted slightly its preliminary estimate of April 2009 figures, from $969 million to $962 million. The adjustment puts bookstore sales this past April down 3.2 percent compared to April 2008.

Overall total retail and food service sales also decreased this May. Retail sales were $354.7 billion in May 2009 compared to $400 billion in May 2008, a drop of 11.3 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.