All retail industries, except department stores, experienced rises in April new preliminary data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates.
The drop for department stores follows two months of consecutive rises, with the sector recording an 8.5% lift in March and a 2.2% rise in February.
In its preliminary release, the ABS reports that the retail sector has recorded a 1.1% rise in April.
"Food retailing led the rises in April, following falls in both February and March 2021," ABS director of quarterly economy wide surveys Ben James said.
"All industries except department stores rose, with similar rises for cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services, household goods retailing, and other retailing.
"New South Wales and Victoria led the state rises, with sales continuing to return in Sydney and Melbourne.
"A lockdown in Western Australia in April saw a 1.5% fall in that state," he said.
Meanwhile, when compared to April 2020 - when the nationwide COVID lockdown was in effect - retail turnover rose 25.1%.
Speaking on the results, National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb said that while the end of JobKeeper was a concern for retailers, the figures paint a promising picture.
"The end of JobKeeper did have many retailers concerned, but the early signs are that the Australian economy continues to charter a strong recovery.
"It’s only one month and there remains a degree of uncertainty, but these April results indicate that consumers continued to spend despite the expiration of JobKeeper and the Coronavirus Supplement.
"Autumn is traditionally a quiet period for retail, so the fact that sales have continued to tick along bodes well for the sector," she said.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra added that while the rise is welcomed, it is important to remember that not all retailers are reaping the rewards.
"Whilst the results are pleasing, it doesn’t paint a complete picture of what the retail sector is going through.
"Our recovery is uneven, and some businesses are in a better position than others.
"CBD retailers, particularly small businesses, along with travel retailers are our biggest concern.
"They continue to suffer through the absence of international students, tourists, and city office workers.
"International border closures are also contributing to Australia’s skills shortage, which is front of mind for many retail businesses, who are struggling to fill positions due to a lack of skilled migrants," he said.