Retail sales increase in September due to drinkers

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21: Retail sales in September increased 0.8 per cent thanks to an extra shopping day and a spike in liquor sales.

When adjusting for inflation, the volume of retail sales fell by 1.1 per cent.

This according to the Department of Statistics, which produced the September Retail Sales Index.

For 2012, seven of the nine months have shown an increase in value while six of the nine months have shown a decrease in volume.

Declared overseas purchases by returning residents decreased 5.3 per cent. It was the eighth time in nine months that residents overseas purchases declined.

Liquor stores reported a 25.5 per cent increase in sales compared to September 2011 while food sales were up 10.9 per cent. Hurricane Leslie is credited for the spike as residents stocked up on food and liquor.

Sales at building materials stores fell 27.3 per cent and was blamed on the near completion of major construction projects and fewer new contract projects coming on line.

It was also a bad month for apparel stores as sales were off 8.3 per cent. Retailers said this decline was due to the loss of one weekend shopping day because of Hurricane Leslie.

Motor vehicle sales were only off 2.8 per cent. There were 34 less motorcycles sold and three less cars sold.

Service stations had a marginal increase of 0.9 per cent for the month which was attributed to longer opening hours for some stations.

Tourist related stores saw sales fall 25.6 per cent but boat and marine retailers had a 28 per cent increase in activity.