Retail Sales at Bookstores Slip in March

March retail sales at bookstores decreased 5.8 percent, compared to March 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

March 2011 bookstore sales are estimated at $906 million, compared to sales of $962 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in March are estimated at $394.6 billion, compared to $365.5 billion in March 2010, an increase of 8 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.