Retail sales value increases 0.1 per cent

The Department of Statistics released its monthly Retail Sales Index today showing the value of sales actually increased in August for the first time since December 2008. It posted a 0.1 per cent gain.

But the actual volume fell by 2.2 per cent.

Overseas purchases were also down in value by 1.9 per cent, with the last month showing an increase being January of this year.

There were 27 shopping days in August 2011 compared with 26 in August 2010.

Service stations saw a 7 per cent increase, thanks in a large part to a 12 per cent rise in fuel costs.

Motor vehicle sales fell 3.4 per cent despite more cars being sold. A fall in the sales price of cars led to fewer overall receipts by auto dealers.

Building materials sales were off 10.2 per cent, with the decrease being attributed to a reduction in construction projects.

Apparel stores were up 2.5 per cent thanks to tourists leaving their greenbacks in Bermuda’s tills.