HK retail sales up 3.8% YOY in August 2025

Hong Kong's retail sales have grown by 3.8% year-on-year, reaching HK$30.1 billion in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of increase.

According to the latest figures released by the Census and Statistics Department, the revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in July 2025 increased by 1.8% compared with a year earlier. For the first eight months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Of the total retail sales value in August 2025, online sales accounted for 8.4%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at HK$2.6 billion, increased by 8.9% compared with the same month in 2024. 

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing August 2025 with August 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 16.4%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+14.2% in value); medicines and cosmetics (+5.0%); wearing apparel (+3.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.4%); commodities in department stores (+1.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+0.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+0.5%); and optical shops (+5.7%).

On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 0.8% in August 2025 over the year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.6% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-8.9%); fuels (-11.4%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-1.3%); and furniture and fixtures (-3.9%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 0.3% in the three months ending August 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 0.3%.

Hong Kong's finance chief Paul Chan said that the city’s retail sector is demonstrating solid signs of recovery and growth. He highlighted a stabilising property market, a thriving stock market, and a consistent flow of tourists as key factors contributing to the improving business environment.

Chan highlighted that 80% of surveyed retail professionals expected a business boost during the National Day Golden Week, with some forecasting double-digit growth. He attributed this optimism to a sharp increase in tourism, noting that during the first four days of the eight-day mainland holiday, Hong Kong received 877,000 visitors from the mainland — a rise of more than seven percent compared to the same period last year.

A government spokesman said that retail sales improved in August. Looking ahead, the stabilising local consumer sentiment, coupled with sustained growth in inbound visitors and the government's proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, should render support to retail businesses.

Don’t miss: HK retail sales up 1.8% YOY in July 2025

Hong Kong's retail landscape is gradually recovering, with retail sales rising 1.8% YOY to reach HK$30.1 billion in July. The results in August marked the fourth consecutive month of retail sales growth and were a slight improvement over the previous month's increase.

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