Seven-month goods retail sales, service revenue up 10.4%

Goods retail sales are estimated at nearly VND2.78 quadrillion during the period, accounting for 78.7% of the total and rising 9% from a year earlier, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

In particular, retail sales of food went up 12.9%, cultural and educational products 10.1%, apparel 8.8%, household tools and equipment 3.6%, and vehicles (except for automobiles) 1.7%.

Meanwhile, accommodation and restaurant services generated about VND377.3 trillion in revenue, making up 10.7% of the total and rising 16.3%.

Tourism revenue soared 53.6% to VND18.6 trillion, as July was the peak month of summer tourism.

Earnings from other services stood at VND356.2 trillion, equivalent to 10.1% and up 13.8% year on year.

July witnessed vibrant retailing and services, especially tourism, the GSO said, elaborating that retail sales and consumer service revenue totaled VND512.2 trillion, up 1.1% month on month and 7.1% year on year.