month of January this year over the same period last year, after adjustment for consumer price inflation at 2.9 percent for the month, according to Government statistics just released.

Gross turnover in the retail sector was estimated at $43.4 million, compared to $39.5 million the previous January. Total value of retail sales rallied to 9.9 percent following a weak sales performance in December, when it fell 1.6 percent on the previous month. The motor vehicle dealer and service station sector was the primary force driving the index and posted a strong gain of 25.5 percent year over year.

Both petrol and vehicle sales surpassed the previous year's levels. Government said the rise in vehicle sales relected higher stock levels and below average sales performances experienced in January 2000, but the increase in petrol sales was due in part to the rise in gasoline prices at the pumps.

Gross revenue flows for general retail stores increased by 11.6 percent, much of which was attributed to the post-Christmas clearance sales held by many retail outlets.

Although sales remained relatively weak for some retail outlets there was a strong demand for items as hardware and building supplies, furniture, home furnishings, appliances and clothing.

Food stores experienced a modest increase in gross receipts of 2.6 percent, while liquor sales increased by 1.1 percent.

Residents returning from overseas trips declared purchases valued at $2.70 million during January, a substantial increase of 37 percent over the previous January. But there were around 8,690 returning residents this January, about 1,900 more than the previous year, attributable possibly to people's reluctance to travel in January 2000 in response to fears of the Millennium bug.