Retail sales in Singapore grew by 1.5% year-on-year in July 2026, marking the softest rise since May 2025 and slowing from a 4% increase in the previous month. The slowdown was mainly driven by declines in sales for department stores (-3.5% vs -9.8% in June), food and alcohol (-5.1% vs -1.2%), optical goods and books (-2.2% vs 0%), and other goods (-4% vs 1.1%). At the same time, turnover growth moderated for motor vehicles, parts and accessories (1.4% vs 3.6%), cosmetics toiletries and medical goods (4.5% vs 8.7%), and computer and telecommunications equipment (5.1% vs 11.6%). In contrast, revenues accelerated for recreational goods (13.9% vs 7.6%) and watches and jewelry (11.1% vs 10.6%). Meanwhile, total retail sales, excluding motor vehicles, parts and accessories, rose by 1.5%, following a 4.1% gain in June. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail activity increased by 0.9%, the same pace as in the preceding period.