November retail sales rose by 4.7 percent in Bermuda with gross turnover of $48.4 million in the local sector -- but overseas stores did even better as residents flocked abroad to stock up on festive goodies.

Spending by residents returning from overseas hit a new record of $5.06 million -- up by 37.5 percent from November last year. Residents took 14,511 trips in November -- up 23.9 percent over the previous November figure of 11,715.

Liquor sales in Bermuda leapt by 24.4 percent as people stocked up for the Christmas and Millennium festivities.

Motor dealers and service stations also did well with sales rising 5.6 percent.

Analysts said vehicle sales are linked to stock levels -- in November some dealers were able to replace their depleted October inventory.

General stores category sales rose by 7.3 percent -- furniture and appliances store sales were particularly strong, as were sales of pharmaceuticals.

Sales at department and hardware stores were marginally up while stores catering to tourists experienced flat sales.

CHART BUSINESS BUC