Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 reached MOP 12.88 billion, up by 28% year-on-year. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods amounted to MOP 4.03 billion (31% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (15%), Adults' Clothing (11%), Leather Goods (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (6%) and Motor Vehicles (6%). Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 4% compared with the revised figure (MOP 12.43 billion) of the fourth quarter of 2011, with marked increase being observed in sales of Adults' Clothing (+19%), Communication Equipment (+13%) and Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods (+8%); however, retail sales of Motor Vehicles decreased by 17%. Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 surged 28% year-on-year, with notable increase being observed in sales of Adults' Clothing (+43%), Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods (+43%) and Communication Equipment (+41%). After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 18% year-on-year, of which sales of Communication Equipment soared by 50%, Adults' Clothing by 40% and Goods in Department Stores by 30%. Volume of retail sales increased by 3% quarter-to-quarter, with significant increase in sales of Adults' Clothing (+23%) and Communication Equipment (+10%); on the contrary, sales volume of Motor Vehicles registered a decrease of 18%. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 54% stated that sales volume in the first quarter of 2012 held stable or increased over the previous quarter, down by 26 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2011; while 46% reported a decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 53% reported stable prices, 38% stated an increase and 9% reported a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2011, about 70% expressed that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2012, while 15% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards the business outlook for the second quarter of 2012, about 79% anticipate that sales volume will increase or remain stable from the first quarter of 2012, while 21% expect a decrease. Concurrently, about 19% predict an increase in retail prices, 75% expect stable prices and 6% expect a decrease.
