Retail Sales Increased 2.1% In March 2026
After adjusting for the retail sales rate of inflation – measured at 4.1% in March – the overall volume of retail sales index increased 2.1% when compared to March 2025, according to the Ministry of Economy and Labour’s Retail Sales Index.
A Government spokesperson said, “Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the March 2026 Retail Sales Index publication.
“March’s volume of retail sales index increased 2.1 per cent compared to last year. In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $102.0 million.
Chart extracted from the report:
“Four of the seven sectors recorded year-over-year volume index increases in March 2026:
- The sales volume for Food Stores increased 2.1 per cent.
- Service Stations’ sales volume rose 6.1 per cent.
- The sales volume at Building Material Stores increased 17.1 per cent.
- The All Other Store Types sector [comprising stores selling household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tourist-related goods], sales volume increased 9.8 per cent.
“In contrast, the following three sectors recorded year-over-year volume index decreases in March 2026:
- Liquor Stores’ sales volume decreased 6.2 per cent.
- Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume decreased 2.9 per cent.
- The sales volume at Apparel Stores decreased 5.4 per cent.
“Selected overseas declarations increased 10.0 per cent compared to March 2025.”
The March 2026 Retail Sales Index report is available here [PDF].
