Substantial sales increases across all categories pushed Australian retail spending up 17.9 per cent in September, reports the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Aussies spent $35.1 billion in-store and online as the nation’s consumers continued to “make up” for last year’s lockdowns and restrictions.
September marked the first month of the Spring Racing Carnival. Unsurprisingly, clothing, footwear and personal accessories racked up the largest year-on-year growth during the month of 70.4 per cent. Department stores saw the second biggest uplift of 53.6 per cent, followed by cafe, restaurant and takeaway at 52.6 per cent.
Other Retailing, including beauty and personal care, experienced an 11.5 per cent jump in revenues, followed by household goods at 10.6 per cent. Food retailing experienced the lowest year-on-year growth of 4 per cent.
The ACT registered the highest retail spending growth of 52.8 per cent. NSW led the charge among the big states with growth of 25.9 per cent, followed by Victoria (+22.9%), Queensland (+9.7%), SA (+8.7%), WA (+7.8%), Tasmania (+6.1%) and the NT (+5%).
Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) described the September retail spending results as “phenomenal”.
While there is a lot to celebrate, we are mindful of the impact that inflation and higher prices have on these sales results, he noted.
“We are likely to see many Australians bring their spending forward this Christmas, as they aim to get ahead of inflationary increases, avoid supply issues and secure their gifts well ahead of the Christmas rush.”
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