Retail sales slipped 3.2% in October

Due to lower motor vehicle sales.

According to a release, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 3.2% in October 2013, compared to September 2013. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales decreased marginally by 0.5%.

After seasonal adjustment, retailers of motor vehicles recorded a double-digit decline in sales of 17.3% compared to the previous month.

Similarly, retail sales of watches & jewellery, recreational goods, medical goods & toiletries, petrol service stations, food & beverages and wearing apparel & footwear decreased between 1.3% and 3.9% in October 2013 over September 2013 (Table1).

On the other hand, retail sales of telecommunications apparatus & computers and department stores increased 8.0% and 1.7% respectively compared to the previous month.