Books-A-Million holiday sales up 5.3%

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Books-A-Million Thursday announced 5.3% increase in sales for the holiday period.

The company reported that sales for the nine weeks ended Jan. 5 were $130.8 million compared with $124.2 million for the same period last year. Comparable-store sales for the period were flat compared with the same period last year. 

Commenting on the results, Sandra Cochran, president and ceo, said, “The sales environment for the holiday season proved challenging as we confronted softening economic conditions and a value conscious consumer. Nonetheless, we saw good results in a number of our core book categories as well as strong performances in bargain books and the gift department."