Singapore retail sales edge higher in August despite motor vehicle slowdown

Singapore's retail sales advanced in August, though gains remained modest as weakness in motor vehicle sales offset strength elsewhere in the sector. Overall retail sales increased 0.7 per cent on a month-on-month basis, data showed.

When motor vehicles, parts and accessories were excluded from the calculation, retail sales posted a more robust performance, rising 1.6 per cent year-on-year. This divergence underscored differing dynamics across retail segments, with non-automotive retailers demonstrating relative resilience.

The August figures suggest a mixed picture for Singapore's retail landscape as the economy navigates prevailing headwinds. The core retail segment's year-on-year expansion indicates continued consumer spending in discretionary and essential categories, even as automotive demand remained under pressure.

The data reflects the ongoing challenges facing retailers amid economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviour in the island nation's competitive retail environment.