Retailers disappointed with strings of declines in sales

Sectors reported sales dip between 3%-4.3%.

According to Department of Statistics, after seasonal adjustment, retailers of recreational goods, telecommunications apparatus & computers, motor vehicles and petrol service stations registered declines in sales of between 3.0% and 4.3% in November 2012 over October 2012.

Retail sales of department stores and optical goods & books also decreased 1.2% and 0.6% respectively over the same period.

On the other hand, retail sales of food & beverages and medical goods & toiletries rose 5.5% and 4.7% respectively in November 2012 over October 2012. Similarly, retailers of provision & sundry shops as well as watches & jewellery registered increases in sales of 2.8% and 2.7% correspondingly compared to the previous month.

Compared to November 2011, retail sales of motor vehicles decreased 11.1% in November 2012. Retailers of telecommunications apparatus & computers, optical goods & books and petrol service stations also registered declines in sales of between 2.5% and 4.3%.

In contrast, retailers of medical goods & toiletries and supermarkets recorded an increase in sales of 10.4% and 8.7% respectively in November 2012 over November 2011. Similarly, retail sales of food & beverages, wearing apparel & footwear, provision & sundry shops, watches & jewellery and furniture & household equipment increased between 3.0% and 5.1% over the same period.