first month of this year, with the total value of retail sales increasing 3.9 percent year-over-year.

Statistics released yesterday by Government Information Services pegged gross turnover at $34.9 million, resulting in an increase sales volume of 1.4 percent, when adjusted for inflation.

Motor vehicles dealers and service stations reported sales increases at a whopping 16.3 percent over January, 1996. Automobile sales accounted for much of the growth.

In the category of combined store types, sales increased a marginal 0.4 percent, but GIS reports great variation among individual merchants.

Retailers catering to visitors generally recorded improved sales performance, buoyed by a 17.1 percent increase in visitor arrivals in January.

Overseas spending during January declined 2.8 percent, from $2.19 million to $2.13 million.