Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the value of total retail sales for the first quarter of 2007 was estimated at MOP3.11 billion.
Retail sales of watches, clocks & jewellery took the largest share of 14% of the total, which were followed by sales of goods in department stores (12%), goods in supermarkets (11%), adults' clothing (9%).
In this quarter, value of retail sales rose by 25% as against MOP2.48 billion in the first quarter of 2006, with marked increases in the sales of watches, clocks & jewellery, goods in department stores, adults' clothing and goods in supermarkets.
Compared with the rectified estimate of MOP2.99 billion in the fourth quarter of 2006, value of retail sales in this quarter increased by 4%.
A comparison of the retailers' opinions indicated that about 44% reported decrease in the sales volume in the first quarter of 2007, up by 21 percentage points over the findings in the previous quarter, while 56% reported that the sales volume remained stable or increased.
In terms of retail prices, about 56% and 20% reported that the prices were stable and showed increase whereas 24% reported the prices decreased.
Compared with the same quarter of 2006, about 81% said that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2007, while 13% indicated that the stock level was low.
Regarding the business prospect for the second quarter of 2007, about 65% expected the salesvolume to increase or remain stable compared with the first quarter, and 35% expected it to decrease.
Meanwhile, about 84% expected the retail prices to remain stable or increase, while 16% expected it to decrease.
Macau - Statistics and Census Service
marketing@alchempro.com
