Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 was MOP 5.07 billion, for which the retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery took the largest share of 22% of the total, at MOP 1.10 billion. Retail sales of Goods in Department Stores accounted for 14%, Adults' Clothing (9%), Goods in Supermarkets (9%), Motor Vehicles (7%), Automotive Fuels (4%), Fuels for Household Use (4%), Cosmetics and Sanitary Articles (3%), Communication Equipment (3%) and Goods in Pharmacies (3%).

The value of retail sales for the fourth quarter increased by 21% from the MOP 4.20 billion in the same quarter of 2007, and up by 7% from the MOP 4.75 billion in the third quarter of 2008.

Total value of retail sales for the whole year of 2008 amounted to MOP 18.99 billion, up significantly by 34% over 2007, with notable increase in the retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+65%), Goods in Department Stores (+45%), Adults' Clothing (+38%) and Goods in Supermarket (+26%).

In the fourth quarter of 2008, about 58% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the third quarter, down by 2 percentage points over the corresponding figure in the previous quarter; 42% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased. In terms of retail prices, about 53% reported that the prices were stable, 11% stated that the prices increased whereas 36% reported the prices decreased.

Compared with the fourth quarter of 2007, about 57% said that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2008, while 30% indicated that the stock level was low.

Regarding the business outlook for the first quarter of 2009, about 47% expect sales volume will increase or remain stable from the fourth quarter of 2008, with 53% expecting a decrease. Meanwhile, about 74% expect the retail prices will remain stable or increase, while 26% expect a decrease.