Australian retail bounced back in April with a 0.4 per cent rise in sales after stalling in March, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb says this is positive news following the sluggish start to 2018 for the sector.
“Retail turnover rose by 0.4 per cent in April, seasonally adjusted, which is an improvement on the March figures which showed no increase,” Ms Lamb said.
“Each state and territory except South Australia recorded a rise in turnover, with the Northern Territory leading the charge with a 2.6 per cent increase.
“The ABS release shows strong sales for cafes, restaurants and takeaways, which can be put down to the unseasonably warm weather many states experienced throughout autumn.
“Unfortunately, the results were not as good for department stores, and clothing, footwear and personal accessories – both categories recorded turnover falls of 0.9 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively.”
Ms Lamb says that with end-of-financial-year (EOFY) sales beginning last week, fashion and department store sales should improve in June.
“We urge shoppers across the country to take advantage of many of the great bargains on offer as retailers attempt to clear stock before the end of the financial year.”