Retail sales fell 9.7 percent to HK$29.9 billion in June, government data showed on Thursday.

In the first half of the year, total retail sales were down 6.6 percent year-on-year.

A government spokesman attributed the decline to changing consumer behaviour among both visitors and residents, as well as the strong Hong Kong dollar.

However, he said the rate of decline narrowed further in June, signalling a stabilisation in retail activities.

Looking ahead, the spokesman pointed to ongoing challenges for the sector in the near term.

However, he said central government initiatives benefiting Hong Kong and the SAR government's efforts to support the retail sector through mega-events would help retailers.