Retail Bookstore Sales Slide in March

Retail sales at bookstores decreased by 1.3 percent in March 2009 as compared to March 2008, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. March 2009 bookstore sales are estimated at $999 million, compared to sales of $1,012 million for the same period last year. For the year, bookstore sales are down by 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009.

The Census Bureau also adjusted its preliminary estimates of February 2009 figures to $1,010 million from $1,021 million, putting bookstore sales this past February 11.3 percent lower than in February 2008.

Overall total retail and food service sales suffered a far more significant drop in March, however. Retail sales were $334 billion in March 2009 compared to $373.6 billion in March 2008, a precipitous fall of 10.6 percent. For the first quarter, total retail and food service sales were down by 10.2 percent to $951.6 billion from 1,060 billion for first quarter 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.