SINGAPORE - Retail sales increased 15.8 per cent in February from the same period a year ago, the Department of Statistics (SingStat) said on Wednesday.
The total retail sales value in February 2015 was estimated at $3.4 billion, higher than the $3.0 billion in February 2014.
Compared to January this year, total retail sales fell 3.3 per cent (seasonally adjusted). Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales remained unchanged.
Sales in the food & beverage services sector increased 2.0 per cent in February 2015 over the previous month. Compared to the same period last year, sales of food & beverage services rose 3.2 per cent in February 2015
The total sales value of food & beverage services in February 2015 was estimated at $657 million, higher than the $637 million in February 2014.
Compared to February 2014, retail sales of food & beverages, department stores and supermarkets grew by 29 .0% to 66.6 %, arising from higher sales during the Chinese New Year period in February 2015.
After seasonal adjustment, retail sales of motor vehicles decreased 24.8 per cent in February 2015 compared to January 2015, in line with the decrease in the number of motor vehicle sales transactions.
Compared to February 2014, retail sales of motor vehicles, wearing apparel & footwear, furniture & household equipment , mini-marts & convenience stores and medical goods & toiletries increased between 10.0% and 25.4%.
Telecommunications apparatus & computers and watches & jewellery also reported higher retail sales of 6.1 % and 2.6 % respectively over the same period.
In contrast, retailers of petrol service stations reported a decline of 20.8 % in sales in February 2015 compared to last year, partially due to lower petrol prices.
