Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total value of retail sales for the whole year of 2013 reached MOP 66.04 billion, up by 23% year-on-year. Analyzed by value of sales, retail of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 20.46 billion) and Goods in Department Stores (MOP 10.39 billion) accounted for 31% and 16% of the total respectively. Volume of retail sales for 2013 increased by 24% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Communication Equipment (+49%); Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+39%); and Leather Goods (+27%). Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled MOP 18.25 billion, up by 14% compared with the revised figure of MOP 16.05 billion in the third quarter. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 5.56 billion (30% of total), sales of Goods in Department Stores shared 16%, Leather Goods took up 11% and Adults' Clothing shared 10%. Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 25% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Communication Equipment (+64%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+35%), Chinese Food Products (+29%) and Goods in Department Stores (+27%). After removing the effect of prices, volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 28% year-on-year, of which sales of Communication Equipment (+67%) and Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+56%) posted significant increase. Meanwhile, volume of retail sales rose by 13% quarter-to-quarter, of which sales of Adults' Clothing (+26%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+24%) and Footwear (+24%) grew notably; on the contrary, sales of Furniture & Lighting; and Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories declined by 13% and 8% respectively. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 68% stated that sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, same as those holding the same sentiment in the third quarter, while 32% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 68% reported stable prices, 25% stated an increase and 7% noted a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2012, about 66% expressed that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2013, while 16% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the first quarter of 2014, about 19% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the fourth quarter of 2013, and 58% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 23% foresee a decrease. Concurrently, about 65% predict stable retail prices, 27% expect an increase, while 8% predict a decrease in retail prices.
