Bookstore sales were virtually flat in January compared to January 2011, according to preliminary estimates released Tuesday morning by the U.S. Census Bureau. Sales were $2.070 billion compared to $2.072 billion last January. Totals include sales from college bookstores and other outlets where books make up at least 50% of sales. Given that last January Borders had not yet filed for bankruptcy and fears this year that heavy holiday buying of digital devices would lead to a surge in e-book purchases and a decline in physical book sales, the January report is encouraging for bricks-and-mortar stores.
For the entire retail segment, January sales rose 5.8%.
