same period last year.

Bermuda's Statistic's Department estimated gross turnover at $47.7 million.

After calculating for a year-over-year inflation rate of two percent, food sales increased in real terms by 7.8 percent. Liquor sales increased by 1.3 percent.

Motor vehicle and service station sector sales decreased for the first time since December 1997. Sales dipped 7.4 percent. According to statistics, dealers indicated that the untimely arrival of shipments has had a negative effect on sales. Petrol sales also fell.

Sales increased by 4.2 percent in the general stores category. Special promotions by appliance stores boosted sales.

"For hardware stores the increase in sales reflects health in the construction industry,'' statistics reported. "While department store sales were generally up, stores that dealt specifically with clothing and accessories experienced a decline in sales.''