SINGAPORE, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's retail sales rose 6.3 percent in November from a year earlier, extending a 4.4 percent increase in October, official data showed on Monday.
On a month-on-month basis, retail sales were flat in November. Total takings were estimated at 4.4 billion Singapore dollars (about 3.4 billion U.S. dollars), with online sales accounting for 16.9 percent.
Most retail sectors recorded year-on-year gains, led by recreational goods and watches and jewelry, which rose 13.9 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively.
Sales in the food and beverage services sector increased 2.5 percent from a year earlier, unchanged from October. Total revenue in the sector was estimated at 1 billion Singapore dollars (about 772.2 million U.S. dollars), with online transactions making up 24.8 percent. ■
