the Retail Sales Index dropped 1.7 percent for the month.

Gross turnover in the retail sector was $50.7 million, down from $51.5 million in August and $56.9 million in July.

But compared to September figures in 1999, and adjusted for the rate of inflation which stands at 2.7 percent, the volume of retail sales decreased by 1.7 percent.

There were 25 shopping days in September, one more than in September 1999.

The largest percentage increase was in the amount of goods bought abroad and declared by residents. Residents coming back from holiday and business trips declared $3.22 million worth of goods -- up 12.2 percent on the same period last year.

The cumulative total spending of residents abroad for the first nine months of this year amounted to nearly $25 million.

According to the statistics, this represents roughly six percent of the gross turnover of the retail sector in Bermuda for the same period.

Motor vehicle dealer and service station sector posted a modest gain of 7.8 percent in sales. This increase followed a drop of 1.3 percent in August when vehicle sales dipped 4.5 percent.

Petrol sales surpassed the previous year's level, increasing by 5.2 percent and the higher price of gasoline was attributed to the increase in sales revenue for petrol stations, the statistics department said.

In the general retail sector, consumer demand remained relatively weak as gross revenue flows -- the amount of money -- in the stores fell below the previous year's level, down 4.9 percent.

In August the amount of money in the stores fell by 3.4 percent on the same period in 1999.

There was a strong decline in sales of hardware and building supplies during the month, partly due to fewer building contracts as the construction boom eases off.

Gross receipts for tourist related stores declined with these retailers experiencing mixed sales performance levels, the Government said.

In contrast, boat and engine sales increased strongly; gross revenue sales for furniture and home furnishings increased marginally and sales of pharmaceuticals and personal care supplies were higher during the month.

Food stores posted a 5.1 percent gain,, while liquor store merchants recorded a fractional decline in sales of 0.1 percent.

According to statistics released yesterday by the Government, many of the figurers for August have been revised.

In the release, the annual percentage change in the volume of sales in August was revised to minus 1.7 from minus 1.9.

And the rise in the value of sales was adjusted from 0.7 percent to 0.9 percent. The estimated gross turnover was changed from $51.3 million to $51.5 million.

CHART BUSINESS BUC