Books-A-Million Inc

Conservative commentator, television personality, and author Glenn Beck arrived in Jupiter Friday afternoon to shouts and cheers of his supporters. The event was a one-hour book signing by Beck of his newest tome, "Arguing with Idiots," and the estimated 1,500 people who had been waiting in line for more than three hours for Beck's arrival stood with their copies of the book, awaiting his entrance. Books-A-Million in Chasewood Plaza on Indiantown Road had distributed 1,000 free tickets, beginning Thur

I promise you that this time next year, you will have the answer as to whether all of you made a difference   -Glenn Beck

 

Those of us who deal in the printed word — printed on paper, you know, the old-fashioned way — face daunting challenges as more and more readers migrate to online sources for news and entertainment. Newspapers are having to rethink how they do business. So are magazines.  

Retailer Books-A-Million Inc. said Thursday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss because of sequential improvement of sales at stores open more than one year, as well as growth in bargain books. The company posted a smaller loss of $1.6 million, or 10 cents per share. That compares with a loss of $2.2 million, or 14 cents per share, a year ago.  

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  

From 5 to 6 p.m. today, Beck will be signing copies of his newest book, "Arguing with Idiots," at Books-a-Million in Chasewood Plaza, 6370 Indiantown Road. The staff at Books-a-Million is preparing for a large turnout, probably up to 1,000, said Adi Sharfstein, one of the managers. "We have people coming here right now," Sharfstein said at about 2:30 p.m., adding that there were only two tickets left. Only those who received the free advance tickets, available since late Thursday, will be able to meet  

Books-A-Million Inc. reported a net loss for its third quarter, but said its core business remains stable. The book seller (NASDAQ: BAMM), which has Triad stores in Greensboro and Asheboro, said it had a net loss of $1.6 million in the third quarter of this year, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2008. Sales for the quarter dropped by a fraction of a percent to $110.9 million compared to last year and comparable store sales decreased nearly 2 percent.

Comparable store sales for the third quarter improved over the second quarter trend   -Clyde B Anderson

 

Third quarter sales dipped 0.6%, to $110.9 million, at Books-A-Million with comparable store sales down 1.9%. Loss in the quarter was reduced to $1.1 million from $2.2 million in the comparable quarter in 2008. The nation's third largest bookstore chain said business in its core book business "stabilized" in the third quarter helped by bestsellers including The Lost Symbol and South of Broad . The bargain book section and gift department also had a good quarter, BAM said, as consumers remain cost consciou  

Consumer shares closed mixed. California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI) was lower after launching customized catering services. Casey's General Stores (CASY) was lower after acquiring nine Bullseye locations.  

Books-A-Million, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAMM ) reports Q3 loss of $0.10, compared to a loss $0.14 in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter was $110.9 million. Comps down 1.9%.