Retail sales in Singapore grew by 0.7% year-on-year in August 2026, slowing from a downwardly revised 1.3% increase in July and marking the softest rise since September 2023. The slowdown was driven mainly by a sharp decline in sales of motor vehicles, parts and accessories (-4.6% vs 1.3% in July), watches and jewellery (-2.7% vs 10.3%), and other goods (-4.3% vs -3.7%). At the same time, turnover growth slowed for recreational goods (4.3% vs 14.3%). In contrast, revenue accelerated for cosmetics, toiletries and medical goods (11.2% vs 4.5%), computer and telecommunications equipment (10.7% vs 5%), and department stores (1.6% vs -3.5%). Petrol service stations also rebounded to 3.2% from a 1.1% decline. Meanwhile, sales excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories rose 1.6%, accelerating from 1.3% in July. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail activity dropped by 1%, slipping from a downwardly revised 0.6% gain in July.