Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2009 amounted to MOP 4.97 billion. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery took the largest share of 21%, at MOP 1.06 billion, which was followed by sales of Goods in Department Stores (15%), Adults' Clothing (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (10%), Motor Vehicles (6%), Fuels for Household Use (3%), Cosmetics and Sanitary Articles (3%), Communication Equipment (3%), Automotive Fuels (3%) and Goods in Pharmacies (3%). Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2009 rose by 9% from the MOP4.55 billion a year earlier, with marked increase in the sales of Goods in Department Stores (+49%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+25%) and Adults' Clothing (+22%); however, decrease was recorded in the sales of Motor Vehicles (-35%), Automotive Fuels (-28%) and Fuels for Household Use (-26%). In comparison with the MOP5.07 billion sales in the fourth quarter of 2008, the value of retail sales in the first quarter dropped by 2%. In the first quarter of 2009, about 66% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the fourth quarter of 2008, up by 8 percentage points over the corresponding figure in the previous quarter; 34% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased. In terms of retail prices, about 51% reported that the prices were stable, 7% stated that the prices increased whereas 42% reported the prices decreased. Compared with the first quarter of 2008, about 47% said that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2009, while 36% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business outlook for the second quarter of 2009, about 46% expect the sales volume will increase or remain stable compared with the first quarter of 2009, whereas 54% expect a decrease. Meanwhile, about 72% expect the retail prices will remain stable or increase, while 28% expect a decrease.
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