Retail Sales Decreased 3.2% In April 2026
After adjusting for the retail sales rate of inflation, the overall volume of retail sales decreased 3.2% in April 2026 compared to April 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 April 2026 Retail Sales Index publication.
“April’s volume of retail sales index decreased 3.2 per cent compared to last year. In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $113.4 million.
Chart extracted from the report:
“Three of the seven sectors recorded year-over-year volume index decreases in April 2026:
- The sales volume at Building Material Stores decreased 17.5 per cent.
- The sales volume at Apparel Stores decreased 6.7 per cent.
- The All Other Store Types sector [comprising stores selling household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tourist-related goods], sales volume decreased 1.5 per cent.
“In contrast, the following three sectors recorded year-over-year volume index increases in April 2026:
- Liquor Stores’ sales volume increased 6.1 per cent.
- Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume increased 0.1 per cent.
- Service Stations’ sales volume rose 4.3 per cent.
“The sales volume for Food Stores remained the same when compared to April 2025.
“Selected overseas declarations increased 0.3 per cent compared to April 2025.”
The April 2026 Retail Sales Index report is available here [PDF].
