Bookstore Sales-for July 2008-Continue Down

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September 18 – September 25, 2008 Edition Bookstore Sales
for July 2008
Continue to Decline

WASHINGTON, D.C./9/15/2008–The U.S. Census Bureau reported Friday that bookstore sales  for July 2008 fell 7.4% to $1.12 billion for the month. The July figures reflect the weak performance in second-quarter chain sales. Sales for the previous month of June dropped 7%. However, sales for the first seven months of 2008 rose slightly by 1.7% to $8.80 billion. The bookstore segment is far underperforming general retail sales, which increased 2.9% inJuly and 3.2% for the year.