Retail sales up 0.9% in May

Food retailer sales dragged overall sales.

Singapore's retail sales growth increased by a measly 0.9% in May from the same month a year ago. 

According to the latest figures from Department of Statistics, total retail sales value in the month was estimated at $3.7b.

Compared to May 2016, retail sales of petrol service stations rose 11.3% in May 2017. Likewise, retail sales of medical goods & toiletries, department stores, motor vehicles, optical goods & books, computer & telecommunications equipment and watches & jewellery increased between 0.3% and 4.5% over the same period.

In contrast, retail sales of food retailers, wearing apparel & footwear, recreational goods, mini marts & convenience stores, furniture & household equipment and supermarkets decreased between 0.4% and 5.2% in May 2017 over May 2016.