sales figures.

The total value of sales increased 1.1 percent in July while the volume -- adjusted for inflation -- fell by 1.5. Gross turnover was estimated at $55.3 million.

Grocers and other stores selling food posted a 7.4 percent increase in sales.

In the motor vehicle and service station sector, sales rose by 5.4 percent.

Dealers who did well attributed the increase to having stock on hand, while those that declined cited a lack of inventory as the reason.

Gas consumption increased marginally.

Returning residents spent $2.35 million dollars on visits overseas, an increase of 18.7 percent.