SINGAPORE: Chinese New Year did not boost retailers’ takings in February this year, with retail sales falling 3.2 per cent compared to the same month a year ago, according to data released on Friday (April 15) by Singapore Department of Statistics.
Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales dropped by a heftier 9.6 per cent.
Seasonally adjusted, turnover rose just 1.7 per cent in February over the previous month. But excluding auto sales, they dipped 1.1 per cent.
The total retail sales value in February 2016 was estimated at $3.4 billion, lower than the $3.5 billion in February 2015.
Retail sales of motor vehicles shot up 51.3 per cent year-on-year in March. Only two other segments saw turnover increase – mini-marts & convenience stores (up 0.8 per cent) and medical goods & toiletries (up 4.1 per cent).
