Retail sales jumped by more than four percent in September compared to the same month last year.

A total of $82.2 million was spent — up 4.2 percent from the $78.8 million recorded for the same month in 2013.

After adjustment for inflation — 1.4 percent in September — the increase was 2.8 percent.

All sectors saw a boost — with car and bike sellers recording the biggest rise of 19.3 percent.

The value of goods bought overseas dropped by 10.2 percent to $4.4 million — giving a combined total spend on consumer goods of $86.5 million.

Sales of liquor recorded an 8.6 percent increase month on month, while food sales rose by nearly two percent.

Sales receipts for all other store types increased by five percent.

Boat and marine supplies logged a 37.7 percent increase, while the value of furniture, appliances and electronics went up by 4.7 percent.

Pharmaceutical goods and service station sales both increased by 2.8 percent, while tourist related stores fell by 4.1 percent in September compared to the same month last year.

The sale of building materials went up by 5.6 percent, attributed to an increase in home renovations, the first increase in the sector since February.

And clothing stores saw sales increase by 1.2 percent in September, which analysts put down to increased spending for the start of the new school year.