Singapore retail sales fell by a mere 0.2 per cent in September, compared to both the same month last year and August this year.
Including motor vehicles, sales fell 0.5 per cent year on year.
Sales of food & beverage services (seasonally adjusted) decreased 0.3 per cent year on year, with restaurant turnover down 3.7 per cent and fast food outlets, catering services and eating places up between 0.1 per cent and 8.3 per cent.
Compared to September 2016, retail sales of computer and telecommunications equipment, furniture and household items, food, optical goods and books and by mini-marts and convenience stores declined by between 1.3 per cent and 7.4 per cent.
However, retail sales by supermarkets and petrol service stations, of clothing and footwear, by department stores, of medical goods and toiletries, recreational goods and watches and jewellery increased between 4.4 per cent and 9.8 per cent year on year.