The latest retail sales figures released by the Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on the 1st showed that the total retail sales value in January 2024 was temporarily estimated to be HKD 36.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.9%. According to statistical data, the revised total retail sales value in December 2023 is estimated to have increased by 7.8% year-on-year. The revised estimate of total retail sales in December 2023 is expected to increase by 4.8% year-on-year. By analyzing the main categories of retailers, the sales value of jewelry, watches, and precious gifts increased by 25.2% in January 2024 compared to January 2023; Clothing increased by 5.2%; Drugs and cosmetics increased by 25.2%; Cars and automotive parts increased by 23.7%; Furniture and fixtures increased by 20.5%; Books, newspapers, stationery, and gifts increased by 27.8%; And eyewear stores increased by 0.7%. A spokesperson for the SAR government stated that the number of visitors to Hong Kong will continue to increase in the future as reception capacity further recovers and events are held, which will be beneficial for retail business. (Lai Xin She)