US publishing sales down 16% in April

In the US, total publishing sales fell 16% in April compared to the same month in 2019 according to the AAP’s Statshot program, reports Publishers Weekly.

The drop in total sales was offset by a 49% drop in returns, with net sales down only 3.5% compared to the previous year. The drop in returns—which were down in every category—points to the possibility of heavy returns when bookstores reopen.

Total sales of adult books were down 16.4%, with returns dropping 46.3% for a net decline of 7%. Children’s and YA sales were down 4.7%, offset by a 43.1% decline in returns for a net decline of 4.2%.

Overall, returns were down about US$155m (A$226) for the two trade categories compared to April 2019.

Category: International news