REAL wholesale trade sales (excluding diamonds) rose 2,4% in the three months to January, compared to the corresponding period a year ago, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday. Seasonally adjusted sales rose 0,4% in January compared to December. Five of the nine wholesalers categories reflected increases. The largest percentage increase was reflected by wholesalers in office and shop equipment, books and stationery and those in pharmaceutical and chemical products, both increasing by 7,9%.