The value of total retail sales in July fell to $22.8 billion, down 5.5% on the same month last year. After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period the volume of total retail sales dropped 5.4%.

The Census & Statistics Department said today the recent economic rebound, the resilience of the labour market and Government relief measures should render some support to consumer confidence and hence the retail trade. However, global economic prospects are still subject to uncertainties. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The sales volume of vehicles and parts fell 30.7%, followed footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-9%), miscellaneous consumer goods (-8.7%), commodities in department stores (-8.4%), apparel (-8.3%), miscellaneous consumer durable goods (-3.4%), and furniture and fixtures (-2.5%).

The sales volume of fuel grew 4.9% while that of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts rose 2.5%. The sales volume of food, alcohol and tobacco grew 1.1%.

Total retail sales in the first seven months of the year dropped 4.6% in value or 5.4% in volume compared with the same period last year.