Retail sales go up 2% in September

It bounced back, after contracting in August.

After recording a 0.5% slump, retail sales were back on the positive side again, registering a 2% increase in September.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Statistics, the improvement came from most of the segments which bounced back to growth during the month.

For instance, mini-marts & convenience stores sales jumped 2.9% in September after falling 0.2%. Petrol Service Stations sale saw a 2% uptick after a 9.9 decline in the preceding month. Recreational Goods made a huge jump, from 11.7% contraction to a 6.7% growth. 

Meanwhile, motor vehicles sales, although still at a high 20.4%, is far from the 30.4 growth in the preceding month.

In contrast, retail sales of computer and telecommunications equipment, food & beverages, watches & jewelry, department stores, supermarkets, optical goods& books, and wearing apparel declined between 2.9% and 9.6%.