Books-A-Million, the third largest bookstore chain in the U.S. with 223 stores, saw its net sales for the 13-week period ending October 31st decline by .6% over the corresponding period in 2008.  Same store sales, which are a better measure of economic performance, were down for 1.9% for the quarter, an improvement over the first two quarters of 2009. It's worth noting, though that the relatively small quarterly decline in same store sales came in comparison to the quarter a year ago when same store sales declined nearly 10% (see "Chain Bookstore Slide Continues"). 

Books-A-Million President, Chairman, and CEO, Clyde B. Anderson, was pleased at what he called “stabilization in our core book business.”  He mentioned growth in the bargain book and gift departments, but did not note any increases in graphic novel sales, something he did point out a year ago (see “GNs, RPGs Bright Spots at BAM”).  Some publishers have seen sharp drops in BAM graphic novel orders this year.