RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions held above $3.5 billion in the week ending June 13, although total spending slipped 3.9 percent from the previous week, official data showed.
According to the latest figures from the Saudi Central Bank, POS transaction values totaled SR13.2 billion ($3.52 billion) during the seven-day period, while the number of transactions edged down 0.2 percent to 238.2 million.
Despite the overall softness, several sectors posted notable gains. Education expenditure jumped 43.2 percent to SR210.9 million, making it the standout performer during the week, while spending on books and stationery climbed 8.7 percent to SR115.8 million.
Jewelry spending surged 16 percent week on week to SR638.8 million, while airline spending rose 8.8 percent to SR57.2 million.
On the downside, recreation spending dropped 15.4 percent to SR212.5 million, while laundry services declined 13.6 percent to SR51.2 million. Freight transport and courier services also fell 13 percent to SR43.5 million.
