Chart of the Day: Which segments registered slumping retail sales in October?

Retail sales was only up 2.2% in the said month.

No doubt that motor vehicles sales have again saved overall retail sales from nosediving in October, leaving it hovering at 2.2%. The strong growth in motor vehicle sales at 14.5% saved overall retail sales from slumping 0.3% in the said month.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Statisctics, it was the computer & telecomunications equipment which posted the biggest slump at 8.1%. Wearing apparel & platform and furniture & household segments posted 3.5% and 3.2%, respectively. Optical goods and books sales, on the other hands fell to a 1.8% slump.

Meanwhile, the overall retail sales growth was spurred by recreational goods, petrol service stations, watches & jewellry, food & beverage, department stores, supermarkets, and medical goods & toiletries. They rose between 0.3% to 5.6% over the said period.