What: Singapore retail sales surged 5.8% year-on-year in November 2025, with online channels accounting for nearly 20% of total sales and strong gains across most categories.

Why it is important: The results highlight Singapore’s retail resilience and the critical role of digital transformation and sector-specific adaptation, as confirmed by recent industry reports.

Singapore’s retail sector delivered its strongest performance of 2025 in November, with sales rising 5.8% year-on-year to SG$3.9 billion. Nearly one-fifth of this value came from online channels, underscoring the ongoing digital transformation of the market. Double-digit growth in categories such as jewellery, watches, cosmetics, and recreational goods reflected renewed consumer confidence and a shift toward discretionary spending. Apparel, supermarkets, and technology also posted notable gains, while declines in petrol and food/alcohol retail highlighted the continued divergence between essential and non-essential categories. The sector’s resilience was further demonstrated by a 0.8% month-on-month increase and robust food and beverage sales, with almost a quarter of F&B transactions occurring online. Despite earlier setbacks, including a sharp decline in February and flat growth in May, Singapore’s retail market has shown a remarkable ability to rebound and adapt, positioning itself as a leader in channel optimisation and consumer-centric innovation in Asia.

IADS Notes: Inside Retail in January 2026 reported the 5.8% surge in November sales, with online channels nearing 20% of total value. Sector-specific analyses throughout 2025—such as strong jewellery demand in October and resilient technology and supermarket sales in July—confirm the market’s adaptability. Reports from March and June 2025 highlighted the importance of digital integration and sectoral shifts, while December 2024 and February 2025 data underscored the market’s ability to recover from setbacks and sustain growth through innovation and strategic planning.

Singapore retail sales jump 5.8% in November