Books-A-Million, the first of the three major bookstore chains to report third quarter results, said revenue for the period ended October 30 fell 5.5%, to $104.8 million, with comparable store sales off 5.8%. CEO Clyde Anderson called the comp sales performance “disappointing” and attributed it to tough comparisons to a strong book lineup last year, and, similar to Hastings earlier this week, “a cost conscious consumer buying fewer hardcover books.” The net loss in the period rose to $1.7 million from $1.6 million. In its release, Anderson said BAM saw positive trends in bargain books and gifts, and in the conference call chief merchandise officer Terry Finley said core book segments that did well were children’s fiction, humor, and entertainment. BAM will push a range of non-book products in the fourth quarter, including new toy, gift and electronics departments, video games, more DVDs and the introduction of the Nook range of e-readers including Nookcolor. Noting that BAM expects few changes in its core book business that Finley called “challenging and changing,” Finley said the chain “is actively exploring opportunities for new businesses and expanded offerings.” For the nine month period, total sales fell 2.8%, to $341.8 million, and comparable store sales decreased 4.2%. Net income rose to $2.2 million from $1.9 million