Singapore retail sales rise 1.7 pct in September-Xinhua - 新华网

SINGAPORE, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's retail sales rose 1.7 percent year on year in September, accelerating from 0.8 percent growth in August, according to official data released on Thursday.

However, retail sales declined 1 percent month on month on a seasonally adjusted basis, the Department of Statistics said in a statement.

Within the retail trade sector, sales of computer and telecommunications equipment increased 16.5 percent year on year, driven mainly by higher demand for mobile phones. Petrol service station sales rose 6.5 percent, reflecting higher petrol prices, while cosmetics, toiletries and medical goods recorded 6 percent growth.

In contrast, sales at mini-marts and convenience stores fell 5.6 percent, while department stores registered a 3.4 percent decline.

Total retail sales were estimated at 4.3 billion Singapore dollars (3.37 billion U.S. dollars) in September, with online sales accounting for 17.7 percent, up from 15.6 percent in August. ■