Macau dining revenue is rising with more than half the city’s restaurants surveyed by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reporting improved sales in January.

And retail was also buoyant, with 53 per cent of retailers reporting increased January sales, up by 11 points from December.

The data shows growth by 61 per cent of restaurants and similar establishments, up a substantial 27 points from December.

However, 28 per cent of restaurants covered reported a drop revenue, down by 16 points from December.
In retail, all leather goods retailers reported higher year-on-year sales.

Restaurant managers say they expected slower business after the Lunar New Year, with 56 per cent anticipating increased or stable revenues for February. However, 44 per cent predict lower receipts.

Retailers are also expecting less February business, the DSEC saying that only 17 per cent anticipate higher sales, an eight-point decline.

For its Business Climate Survey, the DSEC covered 167 restaurants and similar establishments, as well as 135 retailers.