Low sales volume in computer and tech segment hounds retail performance in July

It recorded an 18.8% decline YoY.

Although retail sales index posted an improvement of 2.8% YoY in July, nine of the 13 retail segments registered declines YoY, with computer and tech equipment at a dragging 18.8% dip.

According to the latest figures by the city-state's Department of Statistics, retail sales index would have gone down 3.1% if not for the robust motor vehicles industry, which posted a strong 36.5% increase YoY in July.

Aside from Computer and Tech segment, Petrol Service Solutions also bled red with 13.6% dip in the index. Watches and jewelry reflected the third highest decline with 9.6%.

Meanwhile, the Food & Beverage segment followed suit with its 7.5% contraction.

Other segments including recreational goods, optical goods & books, furniture & household equipment, wearing apparel & footwear and department stores also posted declines between 0.7% to 5.6%.