Hong Kong's total retail sales fell 9.7% year over year to HK$32.8 billion in December 2024, according to data from the city's census and statistics department released Monday.

Online sales comprised 7.2% of total sales during the month and reached HK$2.4 billion.

The sales value of jewelry, clocks, watches, and valuable gifts declined about 14% during the month, supermarket commodities fell 8.9%, while that of clothes declined 11%, and medicines decreased 2.2%, the filing said.

The decline in sales was attributable to outbound trips made by residents during the month, according to a government spokesman.

Hong Kong's retail sector will continue to be impacted by a change in consumption patterns of visitors and residents, the spokesman said.