declared purchases of goods valued at $1.81 million -- a decrease of 7.2 per cent from last year.

The news came in the monthly retail sales index figures released by the Government Statistics Department.

Other figures showed retail sales volume rose three percent for July over the level reached in the previous year.

And all sectors of the retail industry experienced sales revenue gains for the month in comparison to the same time last year, attributing to an estimated $48.2 million gross turnover for the month.

Motor vehicles and service stations reported the largest increases in gross revenue flow with aggregate receipts rising 17.5 percent year-over-year.

The increase in the volume of motor cars sold was attributed to higher inventory levels during the month and a below average sales performance by some outlets in July, 1995.

Participating stores in the general retail sector showed mixed performances as gross revenue flows increased 1.7 per cent year-over-year.

While weak sales performances were experienced by retail outlets catering to the tourism trade and domestic demand, higher outlays on building supplies, boats, jewellery, pharmaceuticals and clothing offset those declines.

Elsewhere, food sales increased 6.2 per cent and liquor sales rose 5.5 percent in reflection of pre-Cup Match purchases primarily.