Hong Kong: Provisional estimate of total retail sales value for August is HK$32.1 billion, up 5.6% year-on-year.

On October 2, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department released the latest retail sales figures. The provisional estimate of the total retail sales value in Hong Kong for August 2026 was HK$32.1 billion, up 5.6% from the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the total retail sales value for July 2026 rose 4.5% from the same month in 2025. Compared with the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales value for the first eight months of 2026 rose 8.5%. Online sales accounted for 8.7% of the total retail sales value in August 2026. The provisional estimate of the online retail sales value for that month was HK$2.8 billion, up 9.9% from the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the online retail sales value for July 2026 rose 9.6% from the same month in 2025. Compared with the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate of the online retail sales value for the first eight months of 2026 rose 23.0%. After deducting price changes during the period, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales volume for August 2026 rose 2.9% from the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the total retail sales volume for July 2026 rose 2.4% from the same month in 2025. Compared with the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales volume for the first eight months of 2026 rose 6.1%. Analyzing the provisional estimates of sales value by major retailer category in descending order, compared with August 2025, the sales value of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts rose 11.9% in August 2026. This was followed by other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (sales value up 9.6%); supermarket goods (up 2.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (up 29.1%); medicines and cosmetics (up 5.6%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (up 1.9%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (up 11.2%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (up 0.6%); furniture and fixtures (up 3.0%); and optical shops (up 5.9%). On the other hand, compared with August 2025, the sales value of clothing fell 0.5% in August 2026. This was followed by department store goods (sales value down 2.6%); motor vehicles and parts (down 22.0%); fuels (down 11.7%); and Chinese medicines (down 6.0%). For the three months ending August 2026, compared with the preceding three-month period, the provisional estimate of the seasonally adjusted total retail sales value fell 4.6%, while the provisional estimate of the seasonally adjusted total retail sales volume fell 3.4%. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said that the total retail sales value grew at a faster pace in August, rising 5.6% year-on-year and recording expansion for the 16th consecutive month. Growth was recorded across multiple retailer categories, while online retail sales value grew notably as consumer spending continued to shift towards digital channels. Looking ahead, the continued economic expansion and rising employment earnings should help support local consumer confidence and spending in Hong Kong. The continued growth in visitor arrivals, together with a series of upcoming mega events, should further inject momentum into the retail sector.