Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the value of total retail sales for the first quarter of 2008 was estimated at MOP4.55 billion. Retail sales of watches, clocks & jewellery took the largest share of 19% of the total, which was followed by sales of goods in department stores (11%), motor vehicles (10%), goods in supermarkets (10%), adults' clothing (9%), fuels for household use (5%), automotive fuels (4%), goods in pharmacy (3%) and cosmetics & sanitary articles (3%).

In comparison with the MOP3.11 billion sales in the first quarter of 2007, value of retail sales rose by 46% in this quarter, with marked increases in the sales of watches, clocks & jewellery, adults' clothing, goods in department stores, goods in supermarkets and motor vehicle. Besides, compared with MOP4.20 billion sales in the fourth quarter of 2007, value of retail sales in this quarter increased by 8%.

A comparison of the retailers’ opinions indicated that about 35% reported decrease in the sales volume in the first quarter of 2008, down by 9 percentage points over the same opinion in the previous quarter, while 65% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased. In terms of retail prices, 41% reported that the prices were stable, 39% stated that the prices showed increase whereas 20% reported the prices decreased.

Compared with the same quarter of 2007, about 72% said that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2008, while 11% indicated that the stock level was low.

Regarding the business prospect for the second quarter of 2008, about 72% expected the sales volume to increase or remain stable compared with the first quarter, with 28% expecting a decrease. Meanwhile, about 90% expected the retail prices to remain stable or increase, while 10% expected a decrease.