The general merchandise sub-sector hires the most workers per establishment and has the second highest profitability ratio.

Type Of Retail Trade
Sub-Sector Highlights
Sub-Sector Snapshot
Business Costs
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Type Of Retail Trade

• Retailers in this sector carry out “non-specialised retail trade in stores”. They include:
  
  
  • department stores
  • department stores cum supermarkets (including hypermarts)
  • supermarkets
  • mini-marts, convenience stores and provision shops

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Sub-Sector Highlights

• The general merchandise sub-sector, compared to other sub-sectors:
  
  
  • hires the most number of workers on a per establishment basis
  • has the second highest profitability ratio
  • has the second highest “retail sales per square metre of floor area”
  • spends the most on goods purchases (highest % of operating expenditure)

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Sub-Sector Snapshot 

Facts & Figures (2006)
Number of Establishments	3,086
Number of Workers	29,268
Operating Receipts	S$8.1 billion
Operating Expenditure	S$7.6 billion
Operating Surplus	S$533 million
Value Added	S$1.0 billion
Profitability Ratio (%)	6.5%
Average Annual Remuneration per Employee	S$19,600
Retail Sales per Square Metre of Floor Area	S$9,600

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Business Costs

Type Of Cost	% Of Cost  (2006)
Goods Purchases	80%
Rental of Premises	6.9%
Remuneration of Employees	6.8%
Utilities	1.2%
Depreciation	1.1%

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For More Information

Economic Survey Series 2006: Retail Trade
Department of Statistics

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