Singapore retail sales continued to increase in September, but at a moderating pace compared to August.

The country’s retail sales – excluding motor vehicles – rose 2 per cent in September, compared to the revised 4.7 per cent uplift in August, according to the Department of Statistics.

The estimated retail sales value was SG$3.5 billion (US$2.67 billion), of which 17.6 per cent were from online.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, September’s retail sales fell 2.3 per cent compared to August.

The watches and jewellery industry continued to lead in terms of sales growth during the month with a 16.6 per cent year-on-year increase, mainly driven by higher jewellery sales. 

The recreational goods industry was in second place with an 11 per cent uplift, followed by supermarkets and hypermarkets with a 5.1 per cent increase.

In contrast, petrol service stations and retailers of wearing apparel and footwear recorded declines of 8 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively.

Sales of food and beverage services slid 1.6 per cent, accelerating from the 0.2 per cent decrease in the previous month. The decline was mainly driven by the poor performance of the restaurant sector.

The total sales value of F&B services was estimated at SG$966 million, of which 26.3 per cent were from online.