Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2008 was estimated at MOP4.60 billion. Retail sales of watches, clocks & jewellery took the largest share of 19% of the total, which was followed by sales of goods in department stores (12%), motor vehicles (10%), goods in supermarkets (9%), adults' clothing (9%), automotive fuels (5%), fuels for household use (4%), cosmetics and sanitary articles (3%), goods in pharmacies (3%) and communication equipment (3%). The value of retail sales in this quarter rose by 40% from MOP3.28 billion in the second quarter of 2007, with marked increases in the sales of watches, clocks & jewellery; goods in department stores; adults’ clothing; goods in supermarket; and motor vehicles. In comparison with the previous quarter, the value of retail sales in this quarter increased slightly by 1%. In the first half year of 2008, value of total retail sales amounted to MOP9.15 billion, up remarkably by 43% year-on-year. In the second quarter of 2008, about 44% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the first quarter, up by 9 percentage points over the corresponding figure in the previous quarter; about 56% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased. In terms of retail prices, about 61% reported that the prices were stable, 21% stated that the prices increased whereas 18% reported the prices decreased. Compared with the second quarter of 2007, about 64% said that the stock level was normal in this quarter, while 20% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business prospect for the third quarter of 2008, about 60% expected the sales volume to increase or remain stable compared with the second quarter, whereas 40% expected it to decrease. Meanwhile, about 80% expected the retail prices to remain stable or increase, while 20% expected it to decrease.
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