The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) 2005 proved to be a success, with both retail sales and visitor arrivals hitting new highs. Total retail sales in June and July soared from $4.6 billion of 2004 to $5.0 billion this year, making the Singapore Retailers Association's sales target for this GSS a reality. The GSS, held from May 27 to July 24 was organised by the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, MasterCard and other industry partners. 'We had aimed for $5.0 billion in this GSS, and we achieved it,' said SRA President Dato' Dr Jannie Tay. 'Together with our industry partners who added to the host of attractive offerings, we succeeded in increasing the level of excitement and absolute spend of shoppers by offering something for everyone.' Almost all retail sectors recorded higher turnover as compared to June and July 2004, with department stores, wearing apparel, footwear, watches and jewellery leading the pack with double-digit growths in both months. This year's GSS has also attracted significant tourist dollars. MasterCard's data shows that cardholders from the US, India, Malaysia and Great Britain were amongst the highest spenders. Overall tourist spend rose by 33% to over $180 million with transactions rising 28%.
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