Singapore's retail figures improve 0.9 per cent in August over July

SINGAPORE's retail sales increased by 0.9 per cent in August 2012 compared to the previous month. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales rose 0.4 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Singapore Department of Statistics.

Compared to a year ago, retail sales increased 3.2 per cent in August. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales rose 2.7 per cent.

Retailers of recreational goods reported an increase in sales of 7.6 per cent in August compared to the previous month. Retail sales of wearing apparel and footwear, food and beverages, motor vehicles, petrol service stations, department stores and furniture and household equipment also rose between 1.0 and 5.1 per cent over the same period.

On the other hand, retailers of telecommunications apparatus and computers, watches and jewellery reported declines in sales of 5.5 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively in August against July.