Retailers took 0.1 percent more at the till in October this year than in the same month last year, driven by a 9.3 percent increase in motor vehicle sales.

However, after inflation was taken into account, retail sales volume fell 0.9 percent, as receipts for the month totalled $81.9 million.

Building material stores saw a 13.3 percent drop in sales — the 15th successive month this sector has suffered a fall — as construction activity continued to slow.

The motor vehicles sector saw a sales increase for the fourth time in ten months this year, while service station receipts fell 1.6 percent, largely because of a 6.2 percent decrease in fuel prices.

Food sales increased 0.6 percent, driven by a 2.5 percent increase in food prices, while liquor stores reported a three percent fall in receipts.

Apparel stores saw their year-over-year sales rise by 3.8 percent — the second straight month of increase for the sector.

Residents declared $4.1 million worth of overseas purchases during October — representing a sharp fall of nearly 23 percent from the same month last year.