Alcohol sales help spike retail index

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17: The retail sales index rose 0.5 per cent in August despite there being two less shopping days because of Cup Match.

However, the overall volume, after adjusting for inflation, fell by 2.5 per cent.

The value increase marks the fourth straight month the Retail Sales Index, produced by the Department of Statistics, was up.

The volume has struggled to remain on the upswing with only one of the last five months showing an increase.

Liquor Sales jumped 19.6 per cent while food sales were up by 9.4 per cent as both sectors were boosted by Cup Match sales.

It was the only sector that was up for the month.

Car sales down

Motor Vehicle sales are still in a nosedive with August’s purchases declining 17.5 per cent.

A total of 27 more motorcycles were sold in August 2012 than 2011, but 25 less cars were sold.

Apparel sales were down 3.3 per cent and did not receive a Cup Match bump as retailers blamed the two less shopping days for the decline.

Building material stores were down 12.7 per cent as a decrease in construction contract projects kept cash registers from ringing as much.

Service station sales were down 2.2 per cent in spite of a 7.9 per cent increase in fuel costs.

The All Other Store sector was down by 4.8 per cent. Boat and marine sales were buoyant as they were up 21.6 per cent while pharmaceutical products were also up 7.2 per cent.

Sales from tourist-related stores were down 13.6 per cent while furniture, appliances and electronics declined 12.2 per cent.

Declared overseas purchases by residents declined 5.3 per cent.