Retail Sales Fell 6.6% In October 2021, Value In Terms Of Sales Down By 3.3% – $96.2 Million

Retail sales fell 6.6 percent in October 2021 when compared to last year.

In value terms retail sales fell 3.3 percent, which represnts an estimated $96.2 million compared to last year (October 2020).

October’s retail sales activity saw increases in Building Material sales. This grew by 5.9 percent due to a higher demand for home improvement products.

Also during October, overseas declarations increased 13.6 percent compared October 2020. The rise in overseas declarations was influenced mostly by higher imports by households via sea related to clothing, footwear and motorboats. In correlation, sales of marine and boating supplies grew by 1.8 percent during October 2021.

There were some declines in various sectors.

Liquor Store sales fell 5.0 percent, while Food Store sales decreased 2.9 percent. This was due mainly to fewer shopping days during the month. 

In the All Other Store Types sector (comprising of stores selling household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tourist-related goods), there was a 9.9 percent decrease due to lower sales of furniture, appliances and electronics, as well as sales at pharmacies.

Service Station sales declined by 12.6 percent; motor vehicle stores’ sales fell by 16.5 percent; and Apparel Stores’ sales declined by 17.4 percent.

The public can review the October 2021 Retail Sales Index report in full at https://www.gov.bm/retail-sales-index-rsi.