Singapore’s retail sales climbed 4.5 percent in October from a year earlier, extending a 2.7 percent gain in September, official data showed Friday.
On a month‑to‑month basis, sales rose 2.3 percent, with total takings estimated at 4.4 billion Singapore dollars ($3.4 billion). Online transactions accounted for 14.5 percent.
Most sectors posted year‑on‑year gains, led by watches and jewelry, which surged 25 percent on stronger jewelry demand. Food and beverage services rose 2.4 percent, rebounding from a 1.6 percent decline in September, with revenue estimated at 1 billion Singapore dollars ($772 million). Online sales made up 25.1 percent of that sector’s total.