DALLAS (January 5, 2007)—Half Price Books, the nation's largest new and used bookstore chain, announces that total sales for the month of December grew 12 percent from the same period a year ago, with transactions increasing nearly 8 percent. Comparable sales increased 10 percent, exceeding the company's forecast.

In addition, in-store gift card sales increased 18 percent in December with internet gift card sales leaping by 38 percent.

Half Price Books, which now boasts 91 retail stores and more than $149 million in annual revenue, opened three new stores in the last six months.

"We are pleased with the company's continued growth and expansion, especially because our company is very financially conservative. We won't open new stores unless we already have the capital in-hand," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president of Half Price Books. "We look forward to both buying and leasing real estate for nine additional stores in 2007, including locations in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas."