The pace of growth for retail sales slowed 1.5 percent according to the latest Government figures on retail sales.

The number for October retail sales came in at 5.3 percent after a more stellar performance in September when the number was 7.8 percent. The slight down tick, however, still put Bermuda at a pace ahead of the United States which saw it?s retail sales number increase only four percent.

Bermuda?s volume of retail sales shrinks to 2.6 percent after the adjustment for inflation. Apparel stores led the charge showing a hefty 23.1 percent increase over last year.

While that number is good, it reaffirms a slow-to-recover apparel industry which is yet to regain the stride it had in 2004 ? a time that predates the Trimingham?s closure.

Sales in building materials also saw a double-digit percentage increase for October. New car sales have basically flattened, only ticking up in October by 0.5 percent.

The entire year has been drag for auto dealers when compared to an overall 22.2 percent increase in 2005.

Service stations recorded the only negative retail sales number for the month of October ? down 2.2 percent.

Most of that shortfall is attributed to the decline in the price of premium fuel.

In all, Bermudians spent $55.8 million in retail sales islandwide, $5.1 million overseas ? those totals are improvements over last year $2.8 million and $500,000 respectively.