{
  "id": 7306049,
  "title": "HK retail sales could rise by 8.4pc in 2026: Deloitte",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/hk-retail-sales-could-rise-by-8-4pc-in-2026-deloitte",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-14T10:53:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News - Finance",
    "slug": "rthk-news-finance",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869970-20260914.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deloitte, a leading accounting firm, has raised its forecast for Hong Kong's retail sales to an 8.4% year-on-year growth in 2026, reaching HK$412 billion. This projection, slightly higher than the February estimate of HK$410 billion, suggests a potential seven-percent annual growth rate in the second half of the year. In the first six months of 2026, retail sales grew by 9.7% to HK$203 billion. Deloitte China's Hong Kong consumer market business leader, Michael Cheng, attributed the strong first-half performance to high visitor numbers, positive wealth effects, and increasing demand for AI-enabled gadgets and smart-home products. However, he cautioned that the growth rate might decelerate in the coming months due to global economic uncertainties, US mid-term elections, and Middle East geopolitical tensions. Cheng also noted that it may take three to five years for Hong Kong's retail market to regain its previous peak of HK$490 billion, but remained optimistic about the outlook, citing an easing trend of Hongkongers traveling north for shopping. He suggested that retailers consider offering \"micro luxury\" items to budget-conscious consumers and providing personalized experiences to attract young customers, particularly Gen Z.",
  "summary": "Accounting giant Deloitte on Monday raised its full-year forecast for the city's retail sales to a growth of 8.4 percent year on year to HK$412 billion in 2026. The figure is slightly higher than a prediction made in February when the company forecast that total sales would stand at HK$410 billion for the year. The upgrade also means there could be a seven-percent annual growth rate in the second…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}