Retail Bookstore Sales Up Slightly in May

May retail sales at bookstores increased 1.6 percent, compared to May 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

May 2011 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,048 million, compared with sales of $1,032 million for the same period last year.

Final April sales were adjusted upward to $888 million, an increase of 2 percent compared to April 2010.

Total retail and food service sales in May are estimated at $400.9 billion, compared with $371.5 billion in May 2010, an increase of 7.7 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.