Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the value of retail sales for the third quarter of 2009 amounted to MOP5.56 billion. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery accounted for 21% of the total, at MOP1.19 billion, which was followed by sales of Goods in Department Stores (15%), Adults' Clothing (9%), Goods in Supermarkets (9%), Motor Vehicles (7%), Automotive Fuels (3%), Communication Equipment (3%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (3%), Household Electric Appliances (3%) and Goods in Pharmacies (3%). Value of retail sales for the third quarter of 2009 rose by 17% from MOP4.75 billion a year earlier, with marked increase in sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+55%), Goods in Department Stores (+37%), Adults' Clothing (+30%) and Goods in Supermarkets (+15%); however, sales of Fuels for Household Use and Automotive Fuels decreased by 37% and 27% respectively. In comparison with the revised figure (MOP5.15 billion) in the second quarter, value of retail sales in the third quarter increased by 8%. In the first three quarters of 2009, the cumulative value of retail sales totalled MOP15.69 billion, up by 13% year-on-year. In the third quarter of 2009, about 53% of the retailers reported decrease of the sales volume from the second quarter, down by 12 percentage points quarter-to-quarter; 47% reported that the sales volume remained stable or showed increase. In terms of retail prices, about 53% reported that the prices were stable; 13% stated price increased and 34% reported price decreased. Compared with the third quarter of 2008, about 62% said that the stock level was normal in the third quarter of 2009, while 27% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business prospect for the fourth quarter of 2009, about 80% expect the sales volume will increase or remain stable compared with the third quarter; 20% expect a decrease. Meanwhile, about 83% expect the retail prices will remain stable or increase, while 17% expect a decrease. Starting from the 3rd quarter of 2009, DSEC released the 2008-based retail sales value and volume indices to reflect the real changes of the local retail sector. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the third quarter of 2009 rose by 14.8% year-on-year, of which volume of sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery and Goods in Department Stores increased by 47.2% and 27.6% respectively. On the contrary, volume of sales of Fuels for Household Use and Automotive Fuels decreased by 17.1% and 4.8% year-on-year. Compared with the second quarter, total retail sales in the third quarter registered a 7.6% increase in volume.
