Sales at Bookstores Increase in June

Posted Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009

After five down months, retail sales at bookstores took a turn for the better in June. Sales at bookstores increased by 3.4 percent in June 2009 as compared to June 2008, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. June 2009 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,101 million, compared to sales of $1,065 million for the same period last year.

The Census Bureau also adjusted slightly its preliminary estimate of May 2009 figures, from $1,107 million to $1,108 million. The adjustment puts bookstore sales this past May down 2.9 percent compared to May 2008.

While sales at bookstores increased, overall total retail and food service sales decreased this June. Retail sales were $351.4 billion in June 2009 compared to $380.4 billion in June 2008, a drop of 7.6 percent.

Period

2008 Final
(Millions of Dollars)

2009
(Millions of Dollars)

% Change
2009 over 2008

January

2,271

2,233

(1.7)

February

1,139

1,010

( 11.7)

March

1,012

998

(1.4)

April

994

962

(3.2)

May

1,141

1,108

(2.9)

June

1,065

1,101 (p)

3.4

YTD

7,622

7,412 (p)

(2.8)

(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.

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