The value of total retail sales in July is provisionally estimated at $27.2 billion, up 18.9% over a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department says.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the total retail sales volume rose 16% during the month when compared with a year earlier.

The department said sales of big-ticket items and durables were particularly strong, signifying the prevailing sanguine local consumer confidence amid an improving labour market.

Improved job and income prospects, together with robust inbound tourism, should continue to render support to retail business in the near term, it added.

The sales volume of motor vehicles and parts increased 69.9%, followed by jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (23.7%); miscellaneous consumer durable goods (21.6%); electrical goods and photographic equipment (21.1%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (18.2%); commodities in department stores (16.2%); apparel (14.1%); miscellaneous consumer goods (9.9%); food, alcohol and tobacco (7.3%); furniture and fixtures (7.1%); commodities in supermarkets (4.7%); and fuels (4%).