Retail sales index stable
F&B sales increase 34 percent

LFA indicators show big drop

in sales of cosmetics, clothing and fashion

Retail sales in 2018 were half a percent lower than their 2017 levels, according to the latest edition of Retail Activity Indicators published by the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML).

The index covers retail sales performance for nine categories of goods and services. It remained around ten percent below its 2012 base year level.

Five categories declined while four retail sales indicators advanced.

The food and beverages category witnessed the highest growth among advancing categories. Its growth stands out at 34 percent. Other advancing categories are the household goods category, the medical services category, and the tourism services category.

Categories that declined are: Clothing and fashion, cosmetics, sports and hobbies goods, hospitality services, and luxury goods.

Two retail sales indicators fell to the six-year low level in 2018. These are the indicator for the clothing and fashion category and the indicator for the luxury goods category.