Hong Kong's Census and Statistics Department released the latest figures on retail sales on Tuesday, demonstrating continued growth following the release of electronic consumption vouchers in August. But the increase still missed market expectations.

Total retail sales increased by eight percent to HK258 million for the first nine months of this year when compared with the same period last year.

Figures showed that online sales accounted for eight percent of retail sales value in September, which was estimated at HK$2.3 billion. The number indicated a 30.5 percent jump when compared to September 2020.

The value of sales of electrical goods and other unclassified consumer durable goods increased by 48.3 percent compared with September 2020 records.

It was followed by other unclassified consumer goods and eye wear, whose sales value increased by 18.7 percent and 17.3 percent respectively.

As for the sales of commodities in department stores, it marked a 11.6 percent decline. Sales value for Chinese drugs and herbs dropped by 10.9 percent, and books, newspapers, stationery and gifts by 6.4 percent.

A government spokesperson expected that the stable local pandemic situation and improving employment and income conditions, together with the issuance of the consumption voucher, should remain supportive to the retail sector in the near term.