Retail statistics released today show a 4.3 per cent jump in April 2015 over April 2014, according to the Bermuda Government’s Department of Statistics.

Motor sales jumped by 51.5 per cent, accounting for the largest share, while clothes stores logged the biggest decline of 7.1 per cent.

There was a combined local and overseas spending of $94.1 million. There were $5 million of overseas purchases declared by returning residents — 2 per cent up from the previous year.

On the building materials sales front, the sector registered a 5.5 per cent increase, related to residential construction projects. Adjusted for inflation, this was a 5.1 per cent increase in sales volume.

Receipts from food sales went up by 2.9 per cent but liquor sales dropped by 6.2 per cent during the month.

Fuel prices dropped, which offset a 7.2 per cent increase in the volume of sales at filling stations. Their takings dropped 6.8 per cent from the level of April 2014.