Retail sales fell by 2.3 percent the month before Christmas in November 2018, with six of the seven retail sectors recording declines in sales volume, with motor ehile retailers recording the largest volume decrease of 22.8 percent.

In contrast retailers of building material stores recorded a rise in sales volume of 0.9 percent.

According to figures released by Minister for the Cabinet Office Walton Brown said today: “After adjusting for the retail sales rate of inflation, measured at 1.3 percent in November, the overall volume of retail sales fell by 2.3 percent.

In value terms, retail sales decreased 1.1 per cent to an estimated $94.7 million.

Returning residents declared overseas purchases valued at $6 million, which was 6.3 per cent lower than November 2017. This contributed to a combined local and overseas spending of $100.7 million.

Excluding Sundays, there were 25 shopping days, the same as November 2017.

Highlighted below are the November 2018 year-over-year changes for each of the seven sectors:

  • Apparel Stores’ sales volume decreased 3.6 per cent
  • All Other Store Types’ sales volume declined 3.0 per cent
  • Liquor Stores’ sales volume decreased 1.1 per cent
  • Food Stores’ sales volume decreased 1.0 per cent
  • Service Stations’ sales volume fell 0.3 per cent
  • Building Material Stores’ sales volume increased 0.9 per cent
  • Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume decreased 22.8 per cent

The November 2018 Retail Sales Index publication is available online athttps://www.gov.bm/retail-sales-index-rsi.