Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2011 amounted to MOP 9.60 billion, up by 39% year-on-year. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 2.53 billion (26% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (14%), Leather Goods (11%), Adults' Clothing (9%), Goods in Supermarkets (6%), Motor Vehicles (6%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (3%) and Communication Equipment (3%). In comparison with the revised figure (MOP 9.59 billion) in the first quarter, value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2011 increased slightly by 0.1%, with marked increase in the retail sales of Automotive Fuels (+16%), Goods in Pharmacies (+11%) and Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+5%). On the contrary, retail sales of motor vehicles, goods in supermarkets and adults' clothing decreased by 12%, 6% and 5% respectively. In the first half year of 2011, value of retail sales reached MOP 19.19 billion, up by 38% year-on-year. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the second quarter of 2011 rose by 26% year-on-year, with that of Communication Equipment surging by 64%, Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles; and Leather Goods rising by 58% and 55% respectively. In the first half year of 2011, volume of retail sales rose by 27% year-on-year. Volume of retails sales decreased by 3% quarter-to-quarter, with notable decrease being observed in that of Motor Vehicles (-13%), Goods in Supermarkets (-8%), Adults' Clothing (-8%) and Goods in Department Stores (-6%); however, sales volume of Goods in Pharmacies and Automotive Fuels registered increase of 9% and 8% respectively quarter-to-quarter. In the second quarter of 2011, about 42% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the first quarter, down by 1 percentage point compared with the previous quarter; besides, 58% stated that the sales volume remained stable or showed increase. In terms of retail prices, about 66% noted that the prices were stable, 21% stated that the prices increased whereas 13% reported the prices decreased. Compared with the first quarter of 2010, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the second quarter of 2011, while 16% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business outlook for the third quarter of 2011, about 77% anticipate that the sales volume will increase or remain stable compared with the second quarter, while 23% expect a decrease. Meanwhile, about 26% predict that the retail prices will increase, 68% expect stable prices whereas 6% forecast a decrease.
