Singapore’s retail sector recorded stronger growth in October 2025, with total retail sales rising 4.5% year-on-year, extending the 2.7% increase seen in September, according to the latest data released by the Department of Statistics Singapore .
Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales grew 3.7% year-on-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, overall retail sales increased 2.3% month-on-month, while sales excluding motor vehicles rose 2.9%.
The estimated total retail sales value in October stood at S$4.4 billion. Online sales accounted for 14.5% of total retail sales, slightly lower than the 15.0% recorded in September. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales were valued at about S$3.8 billion, with online transactions making up 16.8%.
Within the retail sector, most industries registered year-on-year growth. The Watches and Jewellery segment recorded the strongest performance, with sales rising 25.0%, driven mainly by higher jewellery sales. Recreational Goods and Motor Vehicles also saw notable increases of 20.4% and 9.7% respectively.
In contrast, Petrol Service Stations continued to face weaker demand, with sales falling 17.4% year-on-year. Wearing Apparel and Footwear sales also declined by 3.7% during the month.
Online sales remained particularly significant in selected categories. Computer and Telecommunications Equipment recorded the highest online sales proportion at 52.0%, followed by Furniture and Household Equipment at 36.6%, and Supermarkets and Hypermarkets at 12.5%.
The food and beverage (F&B) services sector showed signs of recovery in October, with total sales rising 2.4% year-on-year, reversing a 1.6% decline in September. On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, F&B sales increased 4.3%.
Total F&B sales were estimated at S$1.0 billion, with online sales accounting for 25.1% of the total, slightly lower than the previous month.
Within the F&B sector, Food Caterers recorded the strongest year-on-year growth at 12.8%, while Fast Food Outlets and Cafes, Food Courts and Other Eating Places saw increases of 4.4% and 1.3% respectively. Restaurant sales declined marginally by 0.6% year-on-year, although they recorded a strong month-on-month rebound of 10.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis.
The Retail Sales Index and Food & Beverage Services Index are compiled monthly by the Department of Statistics Singapore to track short-term trends in domestic consumption, including both physical and online sales channels .
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
