Retail turnover in South Australia continues to defy the national trend, with the clothing, footwear and accessory sector taking a particular hit in the southern state.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show South Australia's monthly retail spend has been lagging behind the national spend since mid-2010.
ABS estimates indicate monthly retail turnover for South Australia decreased by 0.2 per cent in January. It marks the third consecutive month the state's retail turnover contracted by 0.2 per cent.
In contrast, the national retail turnover remained flat at 0.0 per cent growth for the five months to January 2011.
The trend defies figures that arose out of South Australia in February to April 2010, when the state's monthly retail spend was higher than national figures.
The ABS reported the main retail sectors contributing to South Australia's negative monthly growth between July 2010 and January 2011 were clothing, footwear and accessories, department stores, and food retailing.