Retail turnover flat in September
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The news: Retail turnover lifted 0.1% in September, following a 0.7% increase in August. Some economists were expecting a fall over September.
The numbers: According to latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail turnover was up 2.3% over the year to September. It was a mixed picture for the month depending on the industry. Household goods had the biggest rise, up 0.5%, but this followed a 0.4% fall in August.
Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services increased 0.4%.
All other industries slumped, led by department stores down 0.5%, clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing down 0.1% and food retailing also down 0.1%.
The Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT recorded declines in turnover. NSW was the strongest, up 0.2%, with South Australia and Western Australia just behind. Queensland was flat. The ABS attributed the NT’s large decline of 0.7% to unseasonably heavy rain, following four monthly rises.
What they said: "After a boost last month from warmer-than-usual weather, retail spending held firm in September," ABS head of business statistics Robert Ewing said.
"The rise in household goods was led by Western Australian spending on hardware and gardening items after unseasonal rainfall last month reduced sales.
"The August boost in spending on alcohol was temporary, with a sharp reversal in liquor retailing this month driving the fall in food spending."
The source: Australian Bureau of Statistics media release
