Information from the Statistics and Census Service shows that value of total retail sales was estimated at MOP2.34 billion. The highest value was in the sales of motor vehicles (15% of the total); followed by sales of goods in department stores (12%); watches, clocks and jewellery (11%); goods in supermarkets (11%); adults' clothing (9%); automotive fuels (6%); fuels for household use (5%); cosmetic and sanitary articles (4%); goods in pharmacies (4%); and household electric appliances (4%). In this quarter, value of retail sales rose by 7% compared with MOP2.19 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2005. In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2004 (MOP2.16 billion), value of retail sales registered an 8% growth. Attributed to the continuous prosperity of the tourism sector and stable economic growth of Macao, the annual retail sales for 2005 registered an all-time record of MOP8.78 billion, up by 17% over 2004, with notable increases in the retail sales of cosmetic and sanitary articles (+40%); adults' clothing (+38%); automotive fuels (+36%); fuels for household use (+30%); and household electric appliances (+30%), etc. A comparison of the retailers’ opinions indicated that about 22% reported decrease in the sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2005, down by 19 percentage points over the third quarter; 78% reported constant or increase in sales volume. In terms of retail prices, 60% and 24% reported constant and increase in retail prices whereas 16% reported decrease. Compared with the same quarter of 2004, about 69% said that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2005, while 14% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the prospect for the first quarter of 2006, about 72% of the retailers predicted increase or constant in sales volume, 28% predicted decrease. Meanwhile, about 79% forecasted constant or increase in retail prices, while 21% forecasted decrease.
Is there anything wrong with this page?