SINGAPORE: Retail sales increased by 7.8 per cent in January over a year ago, with positive growths in most of the sectors, according to data released by the Department of Statistics.

After removing price effect, the overall sales rose by 1.5 per cent over January 2007.

On a month-to-month basis, retail sales in January 2008 rose by 3.1 per cent over December 2007, mainly attributable to higher sales of motor vehicles. Excluding motor vehicles, the sales fell by 5.6 per cent.

After seasonal adjustment, retail sales fell by 2.2 per cent over the previous month. Excluding motor vehicles, the sales declined by 0.7 per cent.

The motor vehicles sector registered the highest growth of 29.0 per cent over last December. This was the largest value growth for motor vehicles sector since April 2006.

Food and beverages, provision and sundry shops expanded by 25.8 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively over December 2007, partly due to shopping for the Lunar New Year.

Sales of petrol service stations, medical goods & toiletries and supermarkets also increased.

The total retail sales value in January 2008 was estimated at S$3,247.8 million compared to S$3,149.4 million in December 2007. - CNA/ac