How is retail trade faring and which categories are on top?
According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, retail trade has slowed somewhat with turnover up just 0.1 per cent in March 2014, down from a rise of 0.3 per cent in February 2014.
Most retail categories experienced declines during the period. This includes: household goods retailing (-0.3 per cent), clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.3 per cent) and department stores (-0.1 per cent) and other retailing(-1.1 per cent).
Figures were lifted by turnover increases in food retailing (0.5 per cent) and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1.1 per cent).
In current prices, the trend estimate for clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing fell 0.2 per cent in March 2014. The seasonally adjusted estimate fell 0.3 per cent.
By industry subgroup, the trend estimate fell for clothing retailing (-0.3 per cent) and rose for footwear and other personal accessory retailing (0.1 per cent).
The seasonally adjusted estimate fell for clothing retailing (-0.4 per cent) and footwear and other personal accessory retailing (-0.2 per cent).
In current prices, the trend estimate for department stores fell 0.6 per cent in March 2014. The seasonally adjusted estimate fell 0.1 per cent.
Across the states, turnover rose in New South Wales (0.8 per cent), Queensland (0.2 per cent), Tasmania (0.8 per cent) and the Northern Territory (0.1 per cent).
These rises were partially offset by falls in Western Australia (-0.9 per cent), South Australia (-0.8 per cent), Victoria (-0.2 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (-0.8 per cent).
Year-on-year, however, Australian retail turnover rose 5.7 per cent in March 2014, seasonally adjusted, compared to March 2013.