Hong Kong's total retail sales value for January increased by 5.5 percent year on year, rising for nine months in a row, beating the market expectation of 4.2 percent, the Census and Statistics Department said.
After removing the effects of price changes, total retail sales volume in January increased by 3.4 percent year-on-year.
The total retail sales value increased to HK$37.3 billion in January.
In the better-performing outlets, value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 3.5 percent, followed by electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified rose 38.7 percent, sales of jewelry, watches and clocks grew 31.1 percent in value, motor vehicles and parts increased by 18.5 percent, furniture and fixtures up 16.4 percent, books, newspapers, stationery and gifts grew 4.6 percent, and optical shops rose 8.5 percent.
However, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 5 percent year on year in January, followed by footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories down 19.9 percent, fuel down 17.5 percent, commodities in department stores decreased by 11.1 percent, sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco dropped 10.5 percent in value, and Chinese drugs and herbs decreased by 8.1 percent.
The department noted that the year on year comparison of sales performance for January 2026 and January 2025 might be affected, as local consumers tend to spend more during the Chinese New Year holiday, with the festival starting later this year on February 17, but on January 29 last year.
Looking ahead, the spokesperson said robust economic growth momentum and sustained growth in inbound visitors continue to drive local consumption, benefiting retail businesses.
Gloria Leung
