Singapore retail sales up in April but continues to lose steam

The estimated total retail sales value in April was S$3.9 billion, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics. - ST

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Takings at the till rose for the third straight month in April with the biggest increases coming from alcohol, cosmetics and toiletries as tourist arrivals grew, though overall sales continued to decelerate.

Retail sales climbed 3.6 per cent from the same month a year ago, cooling from the 4.5 per cent increase seen in March and a 12.6 per cent jump in February that was partly due to the timing of Chinese New Year.