Singapore retail sales growth slows to 3 % in May

Online retail share rises to 15.1% of total sales.

Retail sales in Singapore increased 3% year-on-year in May 2026, easing from the 5.4% growth recorded in April, according to the Department of Statistics.

Excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories, sales rose 3.7%, moderating from 4.5% in the previous month.

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales fell 2.3% in May from April. Excluding motor-related categories, sales declined 1.8%.

Total retail sales for May were estimated at $4.5b. Online retail accounted for 15.1% of total sales, up from 14.7% in April. Excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories, total retail sales were about $3.8b, with online sales making up 17.7%.

Online channels continued to account for a significant share of sales across key segments, representing 59.4% of computer and telecommunications equipment sales, 34% of furniture and household equipment sales, and 13% of supermarkets and hypermarkets sales.

Most retail industries recorded year-on-year growth in May, led by recreational goods, which rose 23.6%, followed by watches and jewellery at 11.7%. Petrol service stations also posted a 9.5% increase, mainly due to higher fuel prices.

In contrast, food and alcohol retailers and department stores recorded declines of 3.7% and 3.3%, respectively.

On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, most industries posted declines, led by wearing apparel and footwear, which fell 4.9%, followed by motor vehicles, parts and accessories at 4.8%, and food & alcohol at 4.6%.

Recreational goods and furniture and household equipment were among the few categories to record monthly gains, rising 11.6% and 3.2%, respectively.