In April, Singapore’s retail sales growth accelerated, with most sectors, especially petrol service stations, experiencing significant advancements.
The Department of Statistics reported a 4.5% rise in retail sales, excluding motor vehicles, parts, and accessories. This increase builds upon the revised 3% growth seen in March. The estimated total value of retail sales touched SG$3.6 billion (US$2.8 billion), with online sales accounting for 18.2% of this figure. On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail sales in April increased by 0.4% compared to the previous month.
The surge in April’s retail sales was fueled by robust performances across most sectors. Petrol service stations observed a substantial year-on-year growth of 14.4%, primarily attributable to increased fuel prices resulting from the Middle East conflict. The recreational goods sector followed closely, registering a sales growth of 12.3%.
Several other sectors, including apparel and footwear, cosmetics and toiletries, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and optical goods and books, also posted robust improvements, with growth figures ranging between 5% and 8%.
Conversely, department stores and food and alcohol retailers experienced a slight dip in sales, recording declines of 1.1% and 0.1% respectively.
In the food and beverage services sector, sales marginally increased by 0.4% in April, showing a slowdown from the 2.3% growth observed in March. The total sales value of food and beverage services was estimated at SG$1.5 billion, with nearly one-fifth of this amount generated from online sales.
Which sector experienced the most significant growth in retail sales in Singapore in April?
The petrol service stations sector saw the most substantial growth, with a year-on-year increase of 14.4%.
What were the total estimated retail sales in Singapore in April?
The total estimated retail sales value in Singapore in April was SG$3.6 billion (US$2.8 billion).
How did the food and beverage services sector perform in Singapore in April?
The food and beverage services sector saw a moderate increase in sales of 0.4% in April.
