Statistics Department figures show.

Pushing the increase was the sale of cars, motorcycles and fuel with a 12.6 percent increase.

The motor sector increase was attributed to strong petrol sales and high inventory levels for dealers despite mixed results.

In February's 25 shopping days, the total value of retail sales increased by 5.3 percent, which if adjusted for inflation, meant an increase of 2.3 percent.

The inflation rate was 2.9 percent and the estimated gross turnover for the month was $41 million.

During the preceding 12 months the highest gross estimated turnover was $71.5 million.

Spending abroad jumped 13.1 percent in February to $2.24 million compared to the previous February when $1.98 million was spent by residents.

In the year to February, the month with the highest overseas spending was November with $5.06 million while the lowest was March of 1999 at $1.86 million.

Food sales rose by five percent while general stores saw a 2.6 percent increase.

Again, liquor sales information was not supplied and figures are being held constant due to the insufficient data.