Retail Sales: Book Stores
This dataset tracks retail sales: book stores over time.
Latest Value
565.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.36%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Book Stores trend measures monthly sales at bookstores in the United States. It is an important indicator of consumer spending on books and media.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This data series tracks the total sales at retail book stores, including online book sales. It provides insight into consumer demand for books and other physical media. Economists and policymakers monitor this metric to assess the health of the publishing and retail sectors.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments.
Historical Context
Retail sales data helps inform decisions around fiscal and monetary policy.
Key Facts
- Book store sales account for over $10 billion in monthly U.S. retail activity.
- Online book sales make up a growing share of total book store revenues.
- Trends in book store sales reflect shifts in consumer preferences and media consumption.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Book Stores trend measures monthly sales at book stores, including both physical and online retail channels.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into consumer demand for books, media, and other products sold through book retailers. It is an important indicator of activity in the publishing and retail sectors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data, including book store sales, helps inform decisions around fiscal and monetary policy by providing a real-time view of consumer spending patterns.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: This data is published monthly with a brief lag, providing a timely but not immediate picture of retail activity.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Book Stores (MRTSSM451211USN), retrieved from FRED.