Retail sales in Singapore experienced a modest increase of 0.7% in August 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics. This growth follows a 1.3% rise in July. In contrast, the food and beverage (F&B) services sector saw a 1.6% decline year-on-year, extending the 1.9% drop observed in July.
The total retail sales value for August was estimated at $4.5b, with online sales accounting for 15.7% of this figure. Excluding motor vehicles, parts, and accessories, retail sales rose by 1.6%, with online sales making up 18.2% of the $3.8b total. Notably, the computer and telecommunications equipment industry saw a significant online sales proportion of 63.7%.
Within the retail sector, cosmetics, toiletries, and medical goods, along with computer and telecommunications equipment, recorded notable year-on-year growth of 11.2% and 10.7%, respectively. However, sales of motor vehicles, parts, and accessories fell by 4.6%, whilst watches and jewellery saw a 2.7% decline.
The F&B services sector’s total sales value was $1.7b, with online sales contributing 20.6%. Fast food outlets and food caterers experienced growth of 7.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Conversely, cafes, food courts, and other eating places reported declines, with cafes seeing a 5.3% drop.
These figures highlight the ongoing challenges and shifts within Singapore’s retail and F&B sectors, with online sales continuing to play a significant role in overall performance.
