(Yicai Global) Dec. 1 -- Hong Kong posted steady annual retail sales growth in October on positive consumer sentiment and an inbound tourism revival, a government spokesman said.

The value of Hong Kong's retail sales grew 3.9 percent annually to USD5.682 billion (HKD37.5 billion) in October, while the value of retail sales in the first 10 months of this year rose 1.2 percent, preliminary estimates from Census and Statistics Department data show.

Retail sales volume climbed 3.6 percent in October and 1.1 percent in the first the months.

The value of jewelry, watches, clocks and valuable gifts went up 8.4 percent annually in October. Sales of commodities in shopping malls and clothing sales increased 6.2 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively. Sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco rose 8.5 percent and the sales of drugs and cosmetics grew 9.9 percent.

The value of the sales of miscellaneous durable consumer goods fell 18.7 percent annually. The sales of electric appliance and photographic equipment, and books, newspapers and stationery dropped 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

A favorable income and employment situation coupled with an improving inbound tourism market will continue to support Hong Kong's retail business in the short term, the government spokesman said.