Christian book sales at Christian bookstores showed a minimal decline during the 2004 Christmas season as compared to 2003, according to data from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). Based on P.O.S. data compiled from its STATS (Sales Tracking Analysis Trends Summary) database, ECPA reported that the top 3,500 Christian book titles decreased 2.8% in unit volume and were down 0.8% in dollar volume from 2003 to 2004.

But Bible sales at Christian retail outlets showed a significant increase. Based on data from 1,000 Christian retail stores, the top 3,500 Bible titles increased 18.5% in unit volume and 14.2% in dollar volume from 2003 to 2004. The report includes the period from Nov. 20-Dec. 24.

While Christmas sales were flat at Christian bookstores, mainstream bookseller Barnes & Noble announced this week that holiday sales were up 5.7% in 2004 over 2003.

Barnes & Noble, which operates 839 bookstores in 50 states, reported store sales were $1.04 billion for the nine-week holiday period from Oct. 31 to Jan. 1, an increase of $55.7 million, or 5.7% over the same period in fiscal 2003.

Barnes & Noble's Web site sales of $105.5 million for the nine-week period increased $2.8 million, or 2.7 % over the same period in fiscal 2003.

Amazon.com's holiday sales also were expected to increase by 28%, according to Internet research firm comScore Networks Inc. The Seattle-based retailer reported that electronics outstripped book sales for the first time in its 10-year history. The company sold more consumer electronics on Thanksgiving weekend than books, which has been the backbone of its business.