Retail Sales in June 2026 Rise 4.6%, Online Sales Surge 11.6% Year-on-Year

Provisional Statistics of Retail Sales for June 2026

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (August 4).

The value of total retail sales in June 2026, provisionally estimated at $31.5 billion, increased by 4.6% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in May 2026 increased by 7.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 9.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

Of the total retail sales value in June 2026, online sales accounted for 9.4%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.0 billion, increased by 11.6% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of online retail sales in May 2026 increased by 32.4% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 27.7% compared with the same period in 2025.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in June 2026 increased by 2.3% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in May 2026 increased by 4.8% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2026, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales increased by 7.2% in volume compared with the same period in 2025.

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing June 2026 with June 2025, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 20.1%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+9.3% in value); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+2.5%); wearing apparel (+0.8%); medicines and cosmetics (+0.6%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+11.3%); furniture and fixtures (+5.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+2.6%); and optical shops (+2.1%).

On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 1.1% in June 2026 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of commodities in department stores (-4.2% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-4.3%); fuels (-15.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-1.4%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-4.9%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 3.0% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 2.6%.

Commentary

A government spokesman said that the latest retail sales figures indicate that the sector remains on a positive trajectory. The value of total retail sales increased for the 14th consecutive month in June, recording a growth rate of 4.6%. Cumulatively, total retail sales value in the first half of the year was 9.6% higher than a year earlier.

Growth was broad-based across many retail categories. Continued economic expansion, rising local incomes, and a steady increase in inbound visitors are expected to provide support to the sector. Yet, external uncertainties constitute downside risk. The Government will continue to closely monitor the potential impacts of external developments on the local consumption market.

Further information

Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2026 as well as the provisional figures for June 2026. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first half of 2026 are also shown.

Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for May 2026 as well as the provisional figures for June 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2026 are also shown.

Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2026 as well as the provisional figures for June 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2026 are also shown.

Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

The classification of retail companies follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail companies and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail companies through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail companies with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

More detailed statistics are given in the "Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales". Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) presents three editions of the programme series "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" in 2026. The second edition will screen six pivotal films selected by director Andrew Lau from his own career at the Cinema of the HKFA on September 5 and 6. Andrew Lau will also attend post-screening talks with film critic Thomas Shin or director Benny Lau to look back on his legendary filmmaking journey with audiences.

Joining the Shaw Brothers in 1981 as a production assistant, Andrew Lau constantly observed different directors at work on set, studying lighting design and cinematography techniques. At the same time, he watched large quantities of film rushes, read books on cinematography. He continuously introduced and experimented with new shooting methods and techniques, thus rose in a short period to become a widely recognised outstanding cinematographer in the industry. In 1990, Andrew Lau directed his first feature film, formally establishing his dual identity as both director and cinematographer. He cemented his status as a leading commercial film director with the "Young and Dangerous" series in the late 1990s. Thereafter, he actively expanded into markets beyond Hong Kong, directing films such as "Daisy" (2006) in Korea and "The Founding of an Army" (2017) on the Chinese Mainland, continuing to create popular works with exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit.

"Legendary Weapons of China" (1982), the first film in which Andrew Lau participated in its production, was directed and written by Lau Kar-leung. In the film, the three factions supported by the Boxers often battle one another, with its action sequences interspersed with numerous fantastical combat scenes. The main character, Lui Gung, played by Lau Kar-leung, is hunted by the Boxers and has to fight against his brother Lui Yung in a showdown in which they wield different kinds of Chinese weapons, and defeats all opponents with his authentic kung fu in the end.

The classic kung fu comedy "Mr. Vampire" (1985) was Andrew Lau's breakthrough work as a cinematographer. The story follows a Taoist priest in repeated fierce battles against a vampire while his apprentice falls in love with a female ghost. In the scene where the female ghost floats from a sedan chair onto the young man's bicycle, Andrew Lau used over a hundred lights to illuminate the entire forest, combined with slow-motion photography and wire work, to visually create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for this human-ghost romance.

"City On Fire" (1987) tells the story of an undercover cop played by Chow Yun-fat who infiltrates a criminal gang and, in the process, develops a subtle bond of mutual respect with a gangster, played by Danny Lee. The film was directed by Ringo Lam, who, determined to innovate, clicked perfectly with Andrew Lau's unconventional approach to cinematography. From street shoots that tested their improvisation skills and extensive handheld camera work, to capturing colourful neon lights on high-speed film, Andrew Lau used his technique and sheer grit to inject a raw, urban vitality into the film.

Directed by Wong Kar-wai, "As Tears Go By" (1988) tells the story of triad member Wah, played by Andy Lau, who, in order to save his sworn brother Fly, played by Jacky Cheung, is ultimately unable to end up with Ngor, played by Maggie Cheung. As cinematographer, Andrew Lau employed a more mature style and more layered imagery, capturing vividly the atmosphere of killing amid the city's neon lights, and the tranquil and romantic moments shared by Wah and Ngor away from the chaos of the outside world.

Directed by Andrew Lau, "Young and Dangerous 3" (1996) is the third instalment in thefilm franchise.While the central plot revolves around triad rivalries, as the protagonist Chan Ho-nam inherits the territory of his predecessor, the story deliberately weaves in moral parables, reaffirming values such as respect for hierarchy and the triad codes of honour. Andrew Lau demonstrated highly efficient on-set direction when making the third instalment, deftly managing large group scenes and the dramatic tension of major set pieces at the same time, showing that his directorial skills had reached a high level of maturity.

Adapted from a comic series, "The Stormriders" (1998) chronicles the grievances and ultimate showdown between Wind, played by Ekin Cheng, Cloud, played by Aaron Kwok, and their master Lord Conqueror. The film markedAndrew Lau's first use of computer-generated imagery as a director. While exploring the technology, he repeatedly discussed character and scene designs with animation technicians, personally handling every detail. Drawing on his deep experience as a cinematographer, Andrew Lau successfully used computer-generated imagery to elevate the visuals of the original comic, establishing an important milestone for Hong Kong special-effects cinema.

Tickets priced at $60 will be available from August 7 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk).For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2739 2139 or visit the HKFA website atwww.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/andrew-lau-wai-keung/pe-event-2026-andrew-lau-wai-keung.html.

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFA's "Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks" explores cinematic journey of director Andrew Lau Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases