Local retailers suffered a dismal month in April, with sales of motor vehicles and construction supplies leading the decline, according to figures released by Government.

The Retail Sales Index found that, after adjusted for inflation, consumer spending in April dropped 10.3 percent from the previous year.

The Department of Statistics estimated that consumers spent $85.7 million in local stores in April, down more than $7 million from the year before.

Sales of building supplies and materials fell for the eighth consecutive month, declining 28 percent from the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the Island's car and bike dealerships had a torrid month - recording a 37 percent drop.

It was the worst decline in any sector in the past 12 months.

Service stations had the only significant gain in April, with sales climbing almost 15 percent. All other sectors saw only modest changes.

Residents returning from overseas declared to Customs a total of $6.1 million of foreign purchases in April, down from $6.9 million the year before.

The numbers will be unhappy reading for the Island's retailers, after figures in February and March seemed to suggest the slump was bottoming out. Instead, the decline of 10.3 percent in April is the worst recorded in the past year.