August sales climb

 

up graphRetail sales for August 2013 have climbed by 2.3 per cent over August 2012, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Retail Trade figures.

While the commonly reported month on month figure showed a 0.4 per cent increase, it is the year on year figure of 2.3 per cent which is more useful to retailers.

Total retail spending was $21.924 billion in August, up from $21.842 billion in July.

The largest month on month contributor to the rise in August 2013 was department stores, which grew sales by 6.4 per cent, following a less than stellar result in July.

Cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services increased by 0.4 per cent; clothing, footwear, and personal accessory retailing grew 0.3 per cent; and food retailing was relatively stable, showing just a 0.1 per cent lift on July.

Household goods retailing and other retail fared less well, posting 0.6 per cent and 0.2 per cent falls respectively.

The Northern Territory witnessed the biggest month on month growth in August, up by 1.3 per cent, followed by Western Australia, 0.7 per cent; Victoria, 0.6 per cent; NSW, 0.4 per cent; and Queensland, 0.2 per cent.

Falls were seen in South Australia and the ACT of 0.2 per cent 0.8 per cent respectively.

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