Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news indicates a decline in Hong Kong's retail sales value, with April 2025 showing a 2.3% decrease compared to April 2024, and a cumulative decline of 5.6% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [1][3] - Online sales accounted for 8.1% of the total retail sales value in April 2025, with an estimated value of 2.3 billion HKD, reflecting a 3.5% decrease from April 2024 [1] - The total retail sales quantity in April 2025 decreased by 3.3% year-on-year, with a cumulative decline of 7.2% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [1] Group 2 - By category, supermarket goods saw a 2.4% decline in sales value in April 2025 compared to April 2024, while jewelry, clothing, and automotive parts experienced significant drops of 1.7%, 5.6%, and 53.4% respectively [2] - Conversely, certain categories such as other unclassified consumer goods and pharmaceuticals showed increases in sales value, with rises of 13.4% and 7.2% respectively [2] - Seasonally adjusted retail sales value increased by 4.2% in the three months ending April 2025 compared to the previous three months, indicating a potential recovery trend [2] Group 3 - A government spokesperson noted signs of stabilization in Hong Kong's retail sector, with the decline in April being less severe than in previous months, despite the later timing of the Easter holiday affecting local spending [3] - Future prospects for the retail sector are supported by government initiatives to boost tourism and local employment income, alongside steady growth in the mainland economy [3] - Challenges remain due to macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting consumer patterns, which continue to impact the retail industry [3]