05.02.202605:25:27UTC+00Singapore Retail Sales Ease to 3-Month Low

Retail sales in Singapore increased by 2.7% in December 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. This reflected a slowdown from a revised near two-year high of 6.2% recorded in November. December witnessed the slowest growth since September 2025, as sales gains tapered across several segments. Specifically, sales at supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 4%, compared to 6.8% in November, while minimarts and convenience stores saw a 4.9% increase, down from 8.9%. Similarly, sales of cosmetics, toiletries, and medical goods rose marginally by 0.2%, a sharp reduction from 12% previously. Recreational goods posted a growth of 13.4% compared to 14% in November, while watches and jewelry saw a 7.1% increase, down from 10.9%. Sales of optical goods and books rose by 1%, down from 5.1%. Meanwhile, sales at department stores contracted by 1.7%, reversing previous growth of 2.6%, and sales of wearing apparel and footwear dipped by 1.8%, compared to a 6.3% gain. The decrease in sales of food and alcohol accelerated to 7.1% from 3.2%, and petrol service stations experienced a deeper decline of 9.1%, compared to a 6.7% drop in November. On a seasonally adjusted basis, monthly retail sales fell sharply by 5.4% in December, following a revised 0.2% decline in November, marking the most significant drop since May 2021.