The total retail sales value rose to $20.3 billion in November, up 19.5% on the same period last year, the Census & Statistics Department says. The total retail sales volume grew 15.3%.

Total retail sales marked the sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth in volume terms, reflecting upbeat consumer sentiment, rising employment income and lower interest rates. The distinct growth in inbound tourism also helped boost retail sales, which should continue to hold up well amidst robust consumer confidence and vibrant inbound tourism, the department said.

Analysed by type of retail outlet, the sales volume of motor vehicles and parts grew 41.2%, followed by electrical goods and photographic equipment (+31.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+25.4%); commodities in department stores (+23.9%); apparel (+22.7%); and, jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+14.6%).

Other types of retail outlets also registered growth in sales volume, including miscellaneous consumer goods (+14.2%); furniture and fixtures (+10.1%); commodities in supermarkets (+4.1%); fuels (+3.6%); and miscellaneous consumer durable goods (+1.3%). 

The sales volume of food, alcohol and tobacco fell 0.4% over a year earlier.