Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2013 totalled MOP 15.77 billion, a slight increase compared with the revised figure (MOP 15.71 billion) of the first quarter of 2013. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 5.48 billion (35% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (13%), Leather Goods (10%), Adults' Clothing (9%) and Goods in Supermarkets (6%).

Value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 23% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+44%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+33%), Adults' Clothing (+28%) and Leather Goods (+27%). Value of retail sales for the first half year of 2013 reached MOP 31.48 billion, up by 21% year-on-year; sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 10.14 billion, accounting for 32% of the total.

After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 23% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+41%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+40%) and Leather Goods (+30%). Meanwhile, volume of retail sales increased by 1% quarter-to-quarter, of which sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+27%) saw significant increase; on the contrary, sales of Footwear; Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories; and Motor Vehicles decreased by 21%, 19% and 17% respectively. Volume of retail sales for the first half year of 2013 increased by 20% year-on-year.

In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 58% stated that sales volume in the second quarter of 2013 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, up by 2 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the first quarter of 2013, while 42% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 62% reported stable prices, 20% stated an increase and 18% noted a decrease.

In comparison with the same quarter of 2012, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the second quarter of 2013, while 12% indicated that the stock level was low.

As regards business outlook for the third quarter of 2013, about 18% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the second quarter, 58% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 24% expect a decrease. Concurrently, about 69% predict stable retail prices, 22% expect an increase, while 9% predict a decrease in retail prices.