The popularity of online shopping continues to grow in Macao, latest figures show, spelling further trouble for the city’s bricks-and-mortar retailers.
Information from the Statistics and Census Service (known by its Portuguese initials DSEC) showed that 245,500 residents shopped online last year – up by 3.3% year-on-year. The most purchased items were food and clothing.
The total amount being spent online is also growing. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the median total online shopping spend went up by 20 percent year-on-year to 1,800 patacas. Median spending on travel services continued to top the list of categories, at 5,000 patacas.
[See more: Macao’s retail sector is in trouble. How long can small businesses hold out?]
Local retailers have faced stiff headwinds since the ending of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourist spending has fallen, while local shoppers are flocking to nearby mainland Chinese cities like Zhuhai for cheaper goods.
Improved transport links have encouraged the so-called “northbound” trend, as have loosened regulations for locally registered motor vehicles. Motorists are now able to easily drive into Guangdong province, and fill their car boots with groceries and other items before returning to Macao.
The dire situation of local retail has prompted the government to launch another campaign to encourage Macao people to spend locally.
