Singapore retail sales stagnate
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Singapore retail sales fell by a mere 0.2 per cent in September, compared to both the same month last year and August this year.
Including motor vehicles, sales fell 0.5 per cent year on year.
Sales of food & beverage services (seasonally adjusted) decreased 0.3 per cent year on year, with restaurant turnover down 3.7 per cent and fast food outlets, catering services and eating places up between 0.1 per cent and 8.3 per cent.
Compared to September 2016, retail sales of computer and telecommunications equipment, furniture and household items, food, optical goods and books and by mini-marts and convenience stores declined by between 1.3 per cent and 7.4 per cent.
However, retail sales by supermarkets and petrol service stations, of clothing and footwear, by department stores, of medical goods and toiletries, recreational goods and watches and jewellery increased between 4.4 per cent and 9.8 per cent year on year.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which retail sectors experienced a decline in sales during September?
Which retail sectors experienced a decline in sales during September?
Sales of computer and telecommunications equipment, furniture and household items, food, optical goods, and books all decreased. Mini-marts and convenience stores also saw a decline, with figures ranging from 1.3 to 7.4 per cent year on year.
Q.What was the performance of the food and beverage services sector?
What was the performance of the food and beverage services sector?
food and beverage services decreased by 0.3 per cent year on year, seasonally adjusted. Restaurant turnover was down 3.7 per cent, while fast food outlets, catering services, and eating places saw increases between 0.1 per cent and 8.3 per cent.
Q.Which retail categories saw an increase in sales compared to the previous year?
Which retail categories saw an increase in sales compared to the previous year?
Supermarkets, petrol service stations, clothing and footwear, department stores, medical goods and toiletries, recreational goods, and watches and jewellery all reported increased sales. These gains ranged from 4.4 per cent to 9.8 per cent year on year.
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