Fashion sales for the month of April were down 0.8% according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The news comes as another disappointing result for the industry after a 0.2% fall in overall sales for March.
The data suggested that the results were also poor for department stores which recorded a turnover fall of 0.9% for the month.
National Retail Association (NRA) CEO Dominique Lamb said the poor news was disappointing as other sectors recorded a turnover growth for the month.
“Retail turnover rose by 0.4% in April, seasonally adjusted, which is an improvement on the March figures.
“Each state and territory except South Australia recorded a rise in turnover, with the Northern Territory leading the charge with a 2.6% increase.
“Unfortunately, the results were not as good for department stores, and clothing, footwear and personal accessories that both recorded turnover falls.”
However, Lamb reinforced an earlier forecast from the NRA that shoppers could spend close to $26 billion during June.
“The NRA is forecasting Aussie shoppers to splurge close to $26 billion during the EOFY sales period in June.
“With several department stores and fashion outlets slashing their prices between now and July 1, we are optimistic that sales in this area will pick up markedly in the month ahead.
“We urge shoppers across the country to take advantage of many of the great bargains on offer as retailers attempt to clear stock before the end of the financial year.”