Singapore retail sales, excluding motor vehicles, were down 4.5 per cent in April, reversing the 2.1 per cent increase in March.

The reduction may be at least in part attributable to the “Taylor Swift effect” which saw a major influx of Swifties from nearby countries during March, boosting commerce and retail sales.

According to the Department of Statistics Singapore, the estimated total retail sales value was about SG$3.3 billion (US$2.45 billion), of which 13.9 per cent were from online retail sales. 

On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail sales dropped 4.0 per cent compared to March.

Most industries within the trade sector recorded year-on-year declines, led by wearing apparel & footwear with a 16.2 per cent drop. Sales of department stores and mini-marts, & convenience stores also slid 8.5 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively.  

The food & alcohol and petrol service stations industries bucked the trend with growths of 4.7 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Regarding food & beverage services, sales were largely flat, up only 0.3 per cent year-on-year in April compared to the 4.9 per cent improvement in March.

The total sales value of F&B services was estimated at SG$931 million, with about 24 per cent coming from online sales.