Retail figures up 15 months in a row

Hong Kong's retail sector continued its impressive growth streak in July, with total retail sales increasing by 4.5 percent compared to the same month last year. This marks the 15th consecutive month of expansion in the retail sector, according to the latest data from the Census and Statistics Department. Online sales played a significant role in this growth, accounting for 9.1 percent of the total retail sales value in July, totaling HK$2.8 billion, a 9.5 percent increase from July 2025.

The city also saw a substantial rise in the sales of jewelry, watches, and clocks, as well as valuable gifts, up by nearly 20 percent compared to the previous year. A government spokesperson attributed the strong retail performance to a shift towards digital consumption and positive economic factors, including higher household incomes and job stability, along with upcoming major events.

However, Annie Yau Tse, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, expressed concerns over the July figures, citing adverse weather conditions and increased outbound travel by Hong Kong residents as factors that negatively impacted retail performance. She noted that the bright outlook for August was tempered by continued outbound travel and a decrease in tourist spending.