HK retail sales up 5.9% YOY in September

Hong Kong’s retail sales have increased by 5.9% YoY to reach HK$31.3 billion in September, driven by improved local consumer sentiment and inbound tourism.

According to the latest figures released by the Census and Statistics Department, the revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in August increased by 3.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first nine months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.0% compared with the same period in 2024.

Of the total retail sales value in September 2025, online sales accounted for 12.5%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at HK$3.9 billion, increased by 27.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in August 2025 increased by 8.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first nine months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 6.3% compared with the same period in 2024.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in August 2025 increased by 3.2% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in July 2025 increased by 0.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first 8 months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 3.1% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing August 2025 with August 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 16.4%.

This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+14.2% in value); medicines and cosmetics (+5.0%); wearing apparel (+3.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.4%); commodities in department stores (+1.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+0.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+0.5%); and optical shops (+5.7%).

On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 0.8% in August 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.6% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-8.9%); fuels (-11.4%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-1.3%); and furniture and fixtures (-3.9%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 0.3% in the three months ending August 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 0.3%.

A government spokesman said that the retail sector continued to recover in September. The value of total retail sales increased by 5.9% over a year earlier, accelerating further from the increase in the preceding month. Most broad retail outlet types registered varying degrees of growth in sales. Looking ahead, improved local consumer sentiment and sustained growth in inbound tourism should continue to render support to retail businesses.

Don't miss: HK retail sales up 3.8% YOY in August 2025

In fact, Hong Kong saw close to 3.3 million visitors in September, an 8% increase compared to the same month last year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The preliminary visitor arrivals for the first three quarters of this year stand at over 36 million, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.

Among them, about 28 million visitors came from the Chinese Mainland, an 11% year-on-year increase. About 8.5 million visitors came from non-Chinese Mainland markets, a 16% year-on-year increase, with Taiwan, Japan, and Australia showing particularly strong growth.

Furthermore, a series of mega events has continued to support the year’s economic momentum. Recent events include the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival, while the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was held with extended opening hours until midnight. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will host the 15th National Games in November, as well as a diverse range of Christmas festivities—all expected to boost foot traffic and consumer spending.

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