The Index of Retail Sales is a quarterly measure of the value of goods sold by retailers based on a sampling of retail stores of different types and sizes. It is an important indicator of movements in retail trade and is computed using the total receipts of a sample of retail establishments. It is therefore, essentially a value index. The series may be used, within limitations, to estimate the quarterly consumer expenditure and, when deflated by the Retail Price Index, can be a useful tool to monitor the volume of retail sales.
Coverage
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
National coverage
UNIT OF ANALYSIS
Business establishments
TYPE OF RETAILER
Dry Goods Stores
Supermarkets and Groceries
Construction and Hardware
Household Appliances, Etc.
Textiles and Wearing Apparel
Motor Vehicles and Parts
Petrol Filling Stations
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
Books and Stationery
Jewellery
Miscellaneous
Data Collection
FREQUENCY OF DATA COLLECTION
Quarterly
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Latest Release
The All Sections Index of Retail Sales decreased by 17.2% from 371.9 in the 4th Quarter 2023 to 307.9 in the 1st quarter 2024. This decrease was largely attributable to decreases observed in Household Appliances, Furniture and other Furnishings 51.6%; and Textiles and Wearing Apparel 45.6%. When a year on year analysis is undertaken, the All Sections Index in the 1st Quarter 2024 increased by 3.9% from 296.4 in 1st quarter 2023. Owing mainly to increases in Motor Vehicles and Parts 19.5%; and Household Appliances, Furniture and other Furnishings 6.9% The volume of retail sales in the 1st Quarter 2024 also increased by 17.1%. (August 8, 2024)
