Singapore Retail Sales Surge Past USD4.7B

(MENAFN) Singapore's retail sector maintained solid momentum in March 2026, with sales climbing 4.8 percent year on year, official figures revealed Tuesday — though the pace eased from the robust 8.3 percent expansion recorded in February 2026.

The Singapore Department of Statistics reported that the broad-based upturn swept across most segments of the retail trade sector during the month, reflecting sustained consumer spending activity in the city-state.

Recreational goods led the charge, surging 13.1 percent, while the motor vehicles, parts and accessories category posted a strong 12.9 percent advance. The computer and telecommunications equipment segment was not far behind, climbing 11.9 percent — a gain the Singapore Department of Statistics attributed in part to heightened demand for mobile phones.

Not all categories shared in the gains, however. Food and alcohol retailers suffered a 6 percent contraction, and department stores recorded a 5.7 percent drop in sales, underscoring pockets of persistent weakness within the broader retail landscape.

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales expanded 3.7 percent in March compared to February, signaling continued short-term momentum.

Total retail turnover for the month reached an estimated 4.7 billion Singapore dollars — equivalent to approximately 3.68 billion U.S. dollars — with digital commerce representing 15.7 percent of overall sales, highlighting the enduring shift toward online shopping among Singaporean consumers.

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