Department stores were victims this September of a trend towards lower retail sales, recording a marginal drop when compared to the same month a year ago.

But new Government figures show that stores that cater to tourists experienced significant declines. This was the news coming out of the retail sales index, which showed that the total value of retail sales in September increased 4.6 percent over the same month in 1997 -- the smallest increase for the year.

Gross turnover was estimated at $45.4 million.

In the general stores category, sales increased by 3.5 percent. Appliance and hardware stores continued to post strong showings.

Promotional sales and a healthy construction industry remains the reasons for the increase. Furniture sales also increased, largely due to special sales.

But in some cases, weak sales performance last year and a rebound in sales this year, were noted.

With inflation at two percent for the month, the adjusted increase in the volume of sales was 2.6 percent. There were 25 shopping days in September of both years.

Food sales increased 12.6 percent. Lower than normal sales activity last year is partially responsible for the increase. Liquor sales were up 8.5 percent.

Sales in the motor vehicle and service station sector declined for the second straight month. Sales decreased by 11 percent in September after falling 5.4 percent in August.

Motor vehicle dealers again cited the untimely arrival of shipments as the reason for the decline. Petrol sales did rise modestly. Demand for clothing and pharmaceuticals were marginally up.