The Opposition welcomed the increase in retail sales in June but wondered whether the growth was positively affecting all retailers.

Eurostat said on Wednesday that, in June, the volume of retail trade grew by more than two per cent over the same month last year.

Shadow finance minister Mario de Marco said the data showed that, while some sectors were enjoying growth, others were in decline. Food and beverages sales dropped by 0.8 per cent while the retail of non-food items (excluding fuel) increased marginally by 0.9 per cent. The sale of automotive fuel surged by 12 per cent.

Dr de Marco said the Opposition was aware that a number of retail centres across the island, such as those in Ħamrun, Mosta, Paola and Birkirkara, were suffering. He urged the government to work with the respective local councils, retailers’ representatives and shop owners themselves to identify ways of bolstering trade in those areas that were suffering.