Sales at Bookstores Up Again in July

July retail sales at bookstores were up 1.2 percent, which marks the fourth consecutive month of increased sales compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

July 2012 bookstore sales are estimated at $981 million, compared to sales of $969 million in July 2011.

Total retail and food service sales in July 2012 are estimated at $400.9 billion, compared to $388.7 billion in July 2011, an increase of 3.1 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.