Retail sales for February slightly higher
The volume of goods sold in Bermuda increased by 0.6 per cent in February compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Retail Sales Index report from the Department of Statistics.
This followed a decrease of 0.2 per cent in overall volume, the month before.
Five of the seven retail sectors recorded year-to-year sales volume increases.
In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $94.3 million, which represented a 2.9 per cent jump in sales.
Motor vehicle dealerships saw the biggest improvements with a 30.8 per cent increase in volume, and a 31.8 per cent increase in value. Food stores also saw modest gains of 5 per cent in value and 2.3 per cent in volume.
Apparel stores experienced a slight increase of 0.3 per cent in the number of items sold.
Volume for all other store types including furniture, electronics and tourist related goods, increased 1.7 per cent. Construction materials increased by 0.2 per cent.
Liquor stores saw the biggest declines with a drop in volume of 8.4 per cent and a decrease of 5.5 per cent in value.
Service station sales volume decreased by 2.4 per cent, and by 1.9 per cent in value.
The value of overseas declarations fell by 0.8 per cent in February compared to the same period last year, while imports by courier were down $0.2 million to $12.9 million. Domestic imports by sea sank by $0.1 million.
Declarations at the airport made by returning residents remained at $3.4 million, while imports through the Bermuda Post Office increased $0.1 million to $0.5 million.
• For the full report see related media
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