May retail trade figures show growth is continuing

The latest retail figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the seasonally adjusted estimate increased by one per cent in May 2009. This follows increases of 0.3 per cent in April 2009 and 2.2 per cent in March 2009.

 

According to statistics, Australian turnover increased by 2.4 per cent in May 2009 compared with April 2009. Chains and other large retailers (which are completely enumerated) increased by 2.5 per cent, while the estimate for smaller retailers increased by 2.3 per cent. Australian turnover increased by six per cent in May 2009 compared with May 2008. Chains and other large retailers increased by 9.2 per cent, while the estimate for smaller retailers increased by 0.7 per cent.

 

All industries, except household good retailing (-2.0 per cent), showed growth in May 2009, including department stores (+5.5 per cent), clothing and soft good retailing (+2.9 per cent) and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (+1.4 per cent).

 

While New South Wales and the Northern Territory retail growth remained unchanged, Victoria (+0.7 per cent), Queensland (+1.5 per cent), South Australia (+1.8 per cent), Western Australia (+3.5 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (+1.8 per cent) showed strong retail trade. Only Tasmania had a decline of 0.1 per cent.