Retail sales down 4.5 per cent in April

THURSDAY, JUNE 21: Both retail sales value and sales volume were down in April. The Department of Statistics said sales value fell 4.5 per cent while volume was off 6.8 per cent.

Overseas purchases were also down 1.6 per cent. Overseas purchases have now declined for the past six months.

Retailers were hoping that a recovery was on the way after the sales value was up 3.6 per cent in February and 1.9 per cent in March, but all sectors of the economy experienced declines with the exception of building material stores, which was up 0.7 per cent from 2011 historic low.

Sales receipts for service stations decreased by 4.5 per cent even though there was a 0.6 per cent increase in the price of fuel.

Liquor sales were down 5.1 per cent while food sales declined 1.1 per cent.

Apparel sales declined for the third time in four months, this time falling 5.8 per cent.

Motor vehicles sales were down 9.7 per cent with seven fewer cars and 10 fewer motorcycles sold than in 2011.

All other store types saw a combined 9.2 per cent drop in sales revenue. Sales of furniture, appliances and electronics declined 10.0 per cent while boat and marine supplies declined 10.9 per cent. Pharmaceutical sales were also down 10.9 per cent.

Tourists-related stores saw a 1.1 per cent drop in sales.

There were the same number of shopping days in April 2012 as there were in April 2011.