Singapore retail sales rise 1.7% in September
Retail turnover reached an estimated S$4.3 billion, while food and beverage services returned to year-on-year growth.
Singapore retailers recorded a 1.7% year-on-year increase in sales in September, following growth of 0.8% in August, according to figures issued by the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat) on Nov 5. However, seasonally adjusted sales fell 1% from the previous month.
With motor vehicles, parts and accessories excluded, September sales rose 2.5% year on year, compared with 1.7% in August 2026. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, this measure fell 1.8%.
Online purchases represented 17.7% of September’s estimated S$4.3 billion in retail sales, compared with 15.6% in August.
Sales at computer and telecommunications equipment retailers increased 16.5% year on year, while petrol stations recorded growth of 6.5%. SingStat attributed these gains mainly to greater mobile phone demand and higher petrol prices. Cosmetics, toiletries and medical goods sales rose 6%, but minimarts and convenience stores registered a 5.6% decline and department stores a 3.4% fall.
Food and beverage services posted year-on-year sales growth of 1%, reversing a 1.8% decline in August. Seasonally adjusted sales increased 0.8% month on month. Turnover was estimated at S$1.6 billion, with online sales contributing 21.1%, against 20.9% in August.
Within food services, sales rose 7.6% at fast-food outlets, 2.6% at restaurants and 0.1% at cafes compared with a year earlier. Food caterers recorded a 0.2% decline, while foodcourts and other eating places saw sales fall 4.2%.
