CNY boost lifts Singapore retail sales 8.3% in February

Supermarkets, recreational goods, and department stores led growth.

Retail sales in Singapore rose 8.3% year-on-year in February 2026, reversing the 0.5% decline recorded in January, according to the Department of Statistics.

The increase was partly attributed to the timing of the Chinese New Year, which fell in February this year compared to January last year.

For the combined January to February period, retail sales grew by 3.5% in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

Excluding motor vehicles, parts & accessories, sales grew 11.2%, recovering from a 2.9% drop in January.

However, on a seasonally adjusted basis, overall retail sales fell 4.1% month-on-month, or 4.2% excluding motor-related sales.

Total retail sales reached $4.2b in February, with online sales accounting for 14.1%. Excluding motor-related sales, total sales were $3.6b, with 16.2% from online channels.
Most retail industries recorded year-on-year growth.

Supermarkets & hypermarkets rose 29.3%, recreational goods 26.0%, and department stores 16.8%.

In contrast, petrol service stations and motor vehicles, parts & accessories declined by 9.8% and 7.8%, respectively.

On a monthly basis, most sectors saw declines. Wearing apparel & footwear dropped 14.4%, whilst watches & jewellery and mini-marts & convenience stores fell 13.9% and 13.8%.

Recreational goods and computer & telecommunications equipment were the exceptions, rising 6.7% and 5.5%, respectively.