Retails Sales at Bookstores Jump in February

February retail sales at bookstores increased 9.3 percent, compared to February 2010, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

February 2011 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,107 million, compared to sales of $1,013 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in February are estimated at $347.6 billion, compared to $318 billion in February 2010, an increase of 9.3 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.