The value of total retail sales in August, provisionally estimated at $30.3 billion, was up 3.8% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 3.2% higher year-on-year.

Online sales accounted for 8.4% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 8.9% compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 16.4%.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+14.2%); medicines and cosmetics (+5%); wearing apparel (+3.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.4%); commodities in department stores (+1.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+0.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+0.5%); and optical shops (+5.7%).

By contrast, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 0.8% for the period. Also down were sales of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.6%); motor vehicles and parts (-8.9%); fuels (-11.4%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-1.3%); and furniture and fixtures (-3.9%).

The Government said retail sales improved in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth.

Looking ahead, it expects the stabilising local consumer sentiment, coupled with sustained growth in inbound visitors and the Government's proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, will render support to retail businesses.