Retailers took 5.7 per cent more at the till in September than they did in the same month a year earlier, according to government statistics.

The gains were led by motor vehicle sellers and building supplies stores, whose sales rose by double-digit percentages.

Retail sales volume — which is the adjusted-for-inflation figure — was up 4.7 per cent year over year, according to the Retail Sales Index produced by the Department of Statistics, and has risen every month this year except May.

Motor vehicle sales surged 27.3 per cent as the number of vehicle sold grew by 27.8 per cent, reflecting increased inventory.

Receipts from the sale of building materials increased 12.7 per cent year-over-year. The rise in sales was linked to greater demand for increased inventory that supported ongoing projects.

Service stations got a boost from the nearby passage of Hurricane Karl, which prompted many locals to stock up on fuel and inspired a 3.6 per cent gain in fuel sales.

Sales receipts for the all other store types sector rose 1.8 per cent year-over-year. Gross receipts for marine and boat suppliers increased 135.9 per cent due to higher sales of big-ticket items.

Pharmacies reported a 5.9 per cent gain in gross receipts. Receipts for the sale of furniture, appliances and electronics decreased 8.1 per cent. Other miscellaneous sales fell 21 per cent.

Apparel stores bucked the trend with a 2.2 per cent fall in sales.

Residents declared $4.6 million in overseas purchases during September, unchanged from a year before.