What: Singapore retail sales rose 4.1% in July, driven by strong online growth and robust performance in technology, jewellery, and supermarket categories.

Why it is important: This growth reinforces Singapore’s resilience and ongoing digital transformation, as seen in recent sector analyses.

Singapore’s retail sector demonstrated solid momentum in July, with sales increasing by 4.1% year-on-year and total retail value reaching SG$3.6 billion. Online channels accounted for 15.5% of sales, underscoring the continued shift toward digital consumption. The strongest gains were seen in computer and telecommunications equipment, which surged 11.1%, while watches and jewellery, as well as supermarkets and hypermarkets, also posted notable growth. Department stores, cosmetics, recreational goods, and optical goods and books experienced moderate increases, further supporting the sector’s overall positive trajectory. However, some categories, including food and alcohol, apparel and footwear, and petrol service stations, faced declines ranging from 2% to 5.6%, highlighting ongoing shifts in consumer priorities. Food and beverage services saw a modest 1.7% rise, with online transactions representing a significant 25.9% of total sales. These results reflect a retail landscape marked by both resilience and transformation, as digital integration and evolving consumer behaviour continue to shape sector performance.

IADS Notes: Singapore’s July 2025 retail performance continues the year’s trend of fluctuating but resilient growth, with digital sales maintaining a strong presence as seen in May, March, and January 2025. The robust results in technology, jewellery, and supermarkets mirror earlier sector-specific gains, while persistent declines in apparel and petrol service stations underscore the ongoing polarisation of consumer spending. The high share of online transactions in food and beverage services further confirms the market’s successful adaptation to digital retail dynamics.

Singapore retail sales see strong growth as most industries record uplifts