​The Retail Sales Survey was launched in April 2007 and collects information on the performance of the Island's retail sector on a quarterly basis. It provides an early short term measure of economic activity in Jersey.

On an annual basis:

• the seasonally adjusted total volume of retail sales in Jersey in Q3 2012 was 3% lower than in the corresponding quarter of 2011
• this represents the fifth consecutive quarter in which the total volume of retail sales has declined on an annual basis
• the predominantly food and non-food sectors have each recorded five consecutive quarters of a decline in the volume of retail sales on an annual basis

On a quarterly basis:

• the seasonally adjusted total volume of retail sales in Jersey in Q3 2012 was similar to that in the previous quarter (Q2 2012)
• the seasonally adjusted total volume of retail sales in the predominantly food and non-food sectors have been essentially flat for the last four quarters