Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales in Singapore decreased almost thirty five percent in April as Covid-19-related lockdowns saw non-essential retailers closing their physical stores.
According to Statistics Singapore, the worst-affected retail sector overall was department stores where sales fell by almost ninety percent and sales in watch and jewellery stores fell by almost eighty five percent.
The retail industry will hopefully bounce back once restrictions have been lifted and people feel safe to venture out of their homes to go shopping at standalone stores and shopping centres. However until the lockdowns are lifted or removed, traditional retailers will continue to suffer, unless they adopt an omni-channel approach and have a strong presence online.
