Another lackluster chapter for Books-A-Million

Books continue to be a tough sell at Books-A-Million, which reported a decline in revenue and same store sales in the first quarter.

Revenue at Books-A-Million fell 1.9% in the first quarter ended May 2, compared to the prior year quarter. Total sales fell to $101.8 million, while the net loss was cut to $5.3 million from $5.6 million. Same store sales dropped 0.9%.

Terrance G. Finley, CEO and president, said: “Our comparable store sales decline versus last year was largely due to a strong prior year title line-up in our teen category. This decline was moderated by improvements in our fiction and kids categories as well as continued growth in our non-book categories of toys, games and puzzles.”

Finley added that the best growth at BAM came from non-book areas, led by gifts and general merchandise.

The company operates 255 stores in 32 states and the District of Columbia.