Singapore retail sales edge up 0.7% in August

Cosmetics, toiletries, and medical goods leads growth at 11.2%.

Singapore’s retail sales rose 0.7% year on year in August, following 1.3% growth in July, according to the Department of Statistics.

Excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories, retail sales increased 1.6% in August, compared with 1.3% growth in July.

On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, retail sales fell 1.0% in August, mainly due to a 9.5% decline in sales of motor vehicles, parts and accessories. Excluding this category, seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 0.6% from July.

Most industries in the retail trade sector recorded year-on-year sales growth in August.

Sales of cosmetics, toiletries, and medical goods rose 11.2%, partly driven by higher sales of cosmetics and toiletries, whilst computer and telecommunications equipment sales increased 10.7%, partly due to higher mobile phone sales.

Sales of recreational goods also increased 4.3%.

In contrast, sales of motor vehicles, parts and accessories declined 4.6% year on year, whilst retailers of watches and jewellery recorded a 2.7% decline in August.

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