In the fourth quarter (Q4) 2023, retail sales recorded a positive growth of 0.8 per cent year-on-year, after decreasing by 3.2 per cent in Q3 2023. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, retail sales also recorded an increase by 6.8 per cent following a decrease of 6.8 per cent (revised from negative 7.0 per cent) in Q3 2023.

The total value of retail sales in Q4 2023 was estimated at BND444.2 million. Almost one-third (25.6 per cent) was contributed by Department Stores with sales worth BND113.7 million, followed by Supermarkets (BND75.4 million or 17.0 per cent).

In terms of volume, retail sales recorded a positive growth of 0.3 per cent year-on-year in Q4 2023, after decreasing by 3.4 per cent (revised from negative 3.3 per cent) in Q3 2023. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, retail sales also recorded a positive growth of 7.3 per cent after decreasing by 7.2 per cent (revised from negative 7.4 per cent) in Q3 2023.