Retail turnover saw a small rise in November, according to the latest Retail Trade figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Australian retail turnover rose by 0.1 per cent in November, seasonally adjusted, following a 0.4 per cent rise registered in October.
Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services saw the biggest rise in turnover (0.8 per cent), in seasonally adjusted terms, followed by food retailing and household goods retailing (both rising 0.6 per cent). Department stores saw no change in turnover, while other retailing (-2.1 per cent) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.7 per cent) saw a decline in turnover.
Online retail turnover saw a strong rise of 5.2 per cent in November, which follows a 9.8 per cent rise in October and 8.7 per cent rise in September.
The Australian National Retailers’ Association (ANRA) says the latest ABS figures suggest the retail sector is on track to have one of its best years since the GFC.
“Retail sales have been growing since September 2013 and it’s pleasing to see that retail sales have almost returned to long-term average growth levels not seen since 2008,” ANRA CEO Anna McPhee said.
“The retail sector’s contribution of around four per cent to the economy can be improved if Government’s deregulate trading hours resulting in jobs growth.”
Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), said November’s results show a slow start to Christmas sales.
“We won’t be able to confirm the actual pre-Christmas spend until December retail figures are released next month,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“However, after speaking with retailers across the country, many reported a fairly slow start to Christmas sales in November due to the reluctance of consumers to start their holiday shopping early. As usual, consumers left most of their shopping until the last minute.”
