Singapore retail sales saw a big jump in February, partly due to the difference in the timing of the Chinese New Year.

According to the Department of Statistics, retail sales – excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories – soared 11.2 per cent in February, reversing the 2.9 per cent decrease in January.

The estimated total retail sales value was SG$3.6 billion (US$2.8 billion), of which 16.2 per cent were from online.

The strong growth was partly attributed to the Chinese New Year occurring in February this year as opposed to January last year.

For the two months (January to February), retail sales grew 3.5 per cent year-on-year.

The majority of the sectors recorded year-on-year growth in sales in February, led by supermarkets and hypermarkets (29.3 per cent) and recreational goods (26 per cent). Department stores rose 16.8 per cent, while food and alcohol, cosmetics, and watches and jewellery increased about 13 per cent.

In contrast, the petrol service stations and mini-marts and convenience stores sectors recorded declines of 9.8 per cent and 6.1 per cent, respectively.

Sales of food and beverage services rose 5.5 per cent in February, compared to the 3.2 per cent drop in January.