Singapore retail sales – excluding motor vehicles – slid again in November after returning to growth in October.

According to the Department of Statistics, November’s retail sales were down 1.4 per cent year-on-year, reversing the 0.5 per cent growth in October. 

Total retail sales value was approximately SG$3.6 billion (US$2.6 billion), of which 16.6 per cent were from online. On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail sales fell 2.1 per cent compared to October.

Performance was mixed within the retail trade sector. The computer & telecommunications equipment, mini-marts & convenience stores and petrol service stations industries recorded year-on-year declines in sales of between 5.4 per cent and 11 per cent.  

Food & alcohol saw a 5.6 per cent sales increase, followed by recreational goods and watches & jewellery with improvements of 2.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively.

Sales of food & beverage services rose 3.9 per cent in November, extending the 3.9 per cent growth in October. The total value was estimated at SG$970 million, of which 24.7 per cent were from online.