November Bookstore Sales Up 5.9%

Although the figures are still higher than some in the industry believe possible, estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show a slowing in bookstore sales since September 11. According to the bureau, bookstore sales in November rose 5.9%, to $1.28 billion. Sales for all of retail increased 4.7% in November. The 5.9% gain in November bookstore sales marks the third consecutive month in which sales increases have fallen from the prior month. In August, bookstore sales were up a reported 24%, but increases slipped to 7.5% in September and 6.8% in October. For the first 11 months of the year, bookstore sales were $15.16 billion, a 9.7% increase, compared to a 3.4% increase for the entire retail sector.