The provisional estimate of the total sales value of Hong Kong's retail sector in January was 37.3 billion Hong Kong dollars, an increase of 5.5% year-on-year.

On March 4, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released the latest retail sales figures. The provisional estimate of total retail sales value in January 2026 was HK$373 billion, an increase of 5.5% compared to the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of total retail sales value in December 2025 increased by 6.6% compared to the same month in 2024. In January 2026, online sales accounted for 8.1% of the total retail sales value. The provisional estimate of online retail sales value in that month was HK$30 billion, up 25.1% from the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of online retail sales value in December 2025 increased by 33.7% compared to the same month in 2024. After adjusting for price changes, the provisional estimate of total retail sales quantity in January 2026 increased by 3.4% compared to the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of total retail sales quantity in December 2025 increased by 5.1% compared to the same month in 2024. The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government cautioned that when interpreting the January figures, it is important to note that retail sales in the first two months of each year are typically affected by the timing of the Lunar New Year, with local consumption usually peaking before the holiday. As the Lunar New Year fell on February 17 this year, compared to January 29 last year, the year-on-year comparison of January 2026 and 2025 figures may be influenced to some extent. Analyzing the provisional estimate of retail sales value by major category, in January 2026 compared to January 2025, the sales value of unclassified consumer goods increased by 3.5%. This was followed by jewelry, watches, and precious gifts (up 31.1%); electrical appliances and other durable consumer goods (up 38.7%); clothing (up 5.7%); drugs and cosmetics (up 1.3%); automobiles and auto parts (up 18.5%); furniture and fixtures (up 16.4%); books, stationery, and gifts (up 4.6%); and optical shops (up 8.5%). However, it should be noted that these changes may be influenced by the different timing of the Lunar New Year as mentioned above. On the other hand, in January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the sales value of supermarket goods decreased by 5.0%. This was followed by food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco (down 10.5%); department store goods (down 11.1%); fuels (down 17.5%); footwear, related products, and other clothing accessories (down 19.9%); and Chinese medicine (down 8.1%). For the three months ending in January 2026, compared to the previous three months, the provisional estimate of seasonally adjusted total retail sales value increased by 2.4%, while the provisional estimate of seasonally adjusted total retail sales quantity increased by 3.1%. A spokesperson stated that the total retail sales value in January continued to steadily increase by 5.5% compared to the same period last year. The recovery momentum of the retail industry in Hong Kong continues, despite the higher base effect from the earlier Lunar New Year last year affecting the year-on-year comparison in January. After seasonal adjustment, the total retail sales value in January saw a significant increase compared to the previous month. Looking ahead, the strong economic growth and continuous growth in visitor numbers to Hong Kong will continue to support local consumption, benefiting the retail business.