Hong Kong retail sales rise 5.9% in September as fashion sector weakens

Hong Kong’s retail sector recorded its fifth consecutive month of progress in September, with sales rising 5.9% year-on-year to HK$31.3 billion ($4.03 billion), in response to authorities knowledge launched Friday. The positive factors had been pushed by stronger tourism and native consumption, although fashion-related classes noticed a downturn.

In quantity phrases, retail sales rose 4.8% from the identical interval a yr earlier, following a revised 3.4% improve in August. For the primary 9 months of 2025, nevertheless, the worth of whole retail sales fell 1% in contrast with the identical interval in 2024, whereas quantity decreased by 2.3%.

A authorities spokesperson mentioned improved shopper sentiment and sustained inbound tourism had been anticipated to proceed supporting retail exercise in the approaching months.

Visitor arrivals surged 8% year-on-year in September to three.29 million, together with 2.46 million arrivals from mainland China, up 7% from the earlier yr, in response to knowledge from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

While luxurious classes carried out properly, fashion retail weakened. Sales of knickknack, watches, clocks and helpful presents rose 9.1% year-on-year in September after a revised 16.4% improve in August. However, sales of clothes, footwear and allied merchandise fell 10.2%, reversing a 2.8% acquire in August.

The newest figures mirror a combined retail restoration, the place sturdy tourism and high-end spending are offset by slower progress in on a regular basis attire and mass-market fashion sales.

($1 = 7.7675 Hong Kong {dollars})