Retail sales increase 4.6 per cent in December

Celene Ignacio

3 hours ago

Retail sales improved 4.6 per cent year over year $36.99 billion in December, thanks to higher turnover across all categories.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed that household goods saw the highest growth rate of 7.1 per cent as sales totalled $6.14 billion.

Other retailing, which includes recreational, sporting goods and cosmetics, went up 5.6 per cent to $5.76 billion, while clothing, footwear and accessories climbed 5 per cent to $3.01 billion.

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services increased 4.7 per cent to $5.54 billion, while food sales grew 3.5 per cent to $14.64 billion, and department stores jumped 1.6 per cent to $1.92 billion.

“Retail spending held firm following strong growth in recent months with promotional activity stretched across the quarter,” said Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics.

“Cyber Monday fell in early December and boosted spending to begin the month, particularly on discretionary items like furniture, homewares, electronics and electrical items.”

WA posted the highest sales growth of 6.3 per cent across all states, followed by the NT, which grew 5.8 per cent.

“The holiday season sales boost isn’t enough to carry businesses through to the quieter months of the year with conservative spending habits likely to continue,” said Lindsay Carroll, National Retail Association (NRA) interim CEO.

“While these results are a relief for many, retailers continue to have a tough road ahead as they navigate a challenging landscape with pressures exacerbated by higher business costs, supply chain demands and the ongoing toll of retail crime,” said Fleur Brown, Australian Retailers Association (ARA) chief industry affairs officer.

In November, retail sales jumped 3 per cent to $36.51 billion.