Retail Sales Decreased 7% In October 2025
After adjusting for the retail sales rate of inflation, measured at 3.0% in October, the overall volume of retail sales index decreased 7.0% when compared to October 2024, according to the newly released Retail Sales Index.
A Government spokesperson said, “Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the October 2025 Retail Sales Index publication.
“October’s volume of retail sales index decreased 7.0 per cent compared to last year. In value terms, retail sales decreased to an estimated $99.3 million.
Chart extracted from the report:
“All seven sectors recorded year-over-year volume index decreases in October 2025:
- The sales volume for Food Stores decreased 6.7 per cent.
- Liquor Stores’ sales volume decreased 2.0 per cent.
- Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume decreased 12.0 per cent.
- Service Stations’ sales volume fell 2.4 per cent.
- The sales volume for Building Material Stores decreased 21.3 per cent.
- The sales volume at Apparel Stores decreased 11.4 per cent.
- In the All Other Store Types sector (comprising stores selling household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tourist-related goods), there was a 1.0 per cent decrease in sales volume.
“Selected overseas declarations increased 16.8 per cent compared to October 2024.”
The full October 2025 Retail Sales Index publication follows below [PDF here]:
“After adjusting for the retail sales rate of inflation, measured at 3.0% in October”
Which October is that PLP Government spokesperson referring to?
A PLP Government spokesperson said yesterday that “consumers paid 2.5 per cent more in October 2025 than they did a year ago”. See https://bernews.com/2026/03/october-consumer-price-index-inflation-2-5/
This PLP Government cannot seem to keep its stories straight.
“This PLP Government cannot seem to keep its stories straight.”
That’s because in order to be successful liar you have to have a very good memory.