Hong Kong's retail sales grew at a slower pace of 6.5 percent in November from a year earlier, official data showed on Friday.
That compared to a revised rise of 6.9 percent in October, according to the data released by the Census and Statistics Department. It also missed a projected rise of 6.8 percent by economists.
Sales by value increased to HK$33.7 billion in November.
In the first 11 months of last year, the city’s retail sales only inched up 0.4 percent.
Sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods increased by 38.6 percent in November and that of jewelry, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also gained 3.6 percent.
But sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 2.1 percent in the month.
Looking ahead, the gradual improvement in local consumption sentiment amid sustained economic growth, coupled with the vibrant growth in inbound visitors, will continue to benefit retail businesses, a government spokesman said.
