Retail sales in Singapore increased by 1.4% year-on-year in May 2025, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% rise in April. This marked the third straight month of growth and the fastest annual increase since January, driven largely by stronger performances in several categories. Notable year-on-year gains included supermarkets (7.2% vs 1.0% in April), recreational goods (7.0% vs 5.0%), optical goods & books (4.5% vs 1.5%), while a sharp rebound in motor vehicles (10.4% vs -2.9%). Meanwhile, sales of cosmetics & toiletries rose further (2.0% vs 2.4%).
However, several segments saw declines, including watches & jewelry (-2.1% vs 12.9%), mini-marts (-0.1% vs 3.1%), food & alcohol (-4.5% vs 3.5%), the ‘others’ category (-3.5% vs 2.9%), furniture & household equipment (-1.6% vs -5.7%), department stores (-3.9%, vs -8.3%), petrol services (-9.4% vs -10.6%), and apparel (-5.3% vs -10.3%). On a monthly basis, retail trade increased by 1.0%, following no growth in April.
