Singapore retail sales growth regained some momentum in October following a slowdown in the previous month, according to the Department of Statistics.

Retail sales – excluding motor vehicles – increased 3.7 per cent in October, a faster pace compared to the revised 1.8 per cent uplift in September, but still slower than August’s 4.7 per cent.

The estimated retail sales value was approximately SG$3.8 billion (US$2.9 billion), of which 16.8 per cent were from the online channel.

Most industries recorded year-on-year growth in sales during the month. The watches and jewellery sector led the upward trend for the third consecutive month with sales up 25 per cent, mainly driven by higher jewellery sales. 

Recreational goods sales were in second place with a 20.4 per cent increase, followed by optical goods and books, and cosmetics, toiletries and medical goods, which both recorded a 6.9 per cent uplift.

Meanwhile, petrol service stations reported a 17.4 per cent drop, followed by wearing apparel and footwear (down 3.7 per cent) and food and alcohol (down 2.5 per cent).

Sales of food and beverage services rose 2.4 per cent to $1 billion in October, reversing the 1.6 per cent decline in September.