Industry Statistics

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 7.6 percent in December 2019 compared to December 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. 

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 7.3 percent in November 2019 compared to November 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. 

“The holidays really bring out the magic of what a bookstore is and what it can do for a community,” said Laurie Raisys of Island Books. “We get to be a part of so many little special moments. It amazes me.”

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 1.7 percent in October 2019 compared to October 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. 

The survey aimed to gather information on booksellers’ current level of awareness of the foundation’s services, to rate program performance and relevance, and to solicit suggestions for new programs.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 2.3 percent in September 2019 compared to September 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. As of November 13, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are up 0.11 percent over 2018.

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 10.3 percent in August 2019 compared to August 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. As of October 10, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are down 0.26 percent over 2018. Compound annual growth among ABA member stores is 7.5 percent over the past five years. 

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 5 percent in July 2019 compared to July 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. As of September 11, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are down 0.77 percent over 2018. Compound annual growth among ABA member stores is 7.5 percent over the past five years. 

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 5 percent in June 2019 compared to June 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. As of August 14, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are down 0.49 percent over 2018. Compound annual growth among ABA member stores is 7.5 percent over the past five years. 

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 0.7 percent in May 2019 compared to May 2018, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of the Census. As of July 10, the year-to-date sales among ABA member stores, as reported to the weekly Indie Bestseller Lists, are down 0.5 percent over 2018. Compound annual growth among ABA member stores is 7.5 percent over the past five years. 

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were up by 3.4 percent in April 2019 compared to April 2018, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census.

At a BookExpo education session, NPD Book Executive Director David Walter showed booksellers the latest trends in the U.S. book market, based on data from the industry data analysis company.