Retail Sales at Bookstores Down in March

Retail sales at bookstores were down by 7.6 percent in March 2014 compared to March 2013, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

March 2014 bookstore sales are estimated at $683 million, compared to sales of $739 million for the same period last year.

Total retail and food service sales in March are estimated at $439.5 billion, compared to $426.8 billion in March 2013, an increase of 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.