Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the value of retail sales for the third quarter of 2008 was estimated at MOP4.75 billion. Retail sales of watches, clocks & jewellery took the largest share of 16% of the total, at MOP770 million, which was followed by sales of goods in department stores (13% or MOP597 million), goods in supermarkets (9%), adults' clothing (8%), motor vehicles (8%), automotive fuels (5%), fuels for household use (4%), communication equipment (4%), cosmetics/sanitary articles (3%), goods in pharmacies (3%) and household electric appliances (3%).
The value of retail sales for the third quarter went up by 31% from MOP3.61 billion a year earlier, with marked increases in the sales of goods in department stores; watches, clocks & jewellery; adults' clothing; goods in supermarkets; automotive fuels; and communication equipment. As against the revised MOP4.63 billion sales in the second quarter of 2008, the value of retail sales in the third quarter increased by 3%.
In the first three quarters of 2008, the cumulative value of retail sales amounted to MOP13.92 billion, up considerably by 39% year-on-year.
In the third quarter of 2008, about 60% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the second quarter, up by 16 percentage points over the corresponding figure in the previous quarter; about 40% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased. In terms of retail prices, about 44% reported the prices were stable; 27% stated that the prices increased whereas 29% reported the prices decreased.
Compared with the third quarter of 2007, about 64% said that the stock level was normal in the third quarter this year, while 22% indicated that the stock level was low.
Regarding the business outlook for the fourth quarter of 2008, about 56% expected the sales volume to increase or remain stable compared with the third quarter, whereas 44% expected a decrease. Meanwhile, about 84% expected the retail prices in the fourth quarter to remain stable or increase, while 16% expected a decrease.
