September Records Minor Retail Rebound

Retail sales have increased by 1.3 percent as restrictions continue to ease across the country. According to a report from the ABS, retail turnover saw an incremental rise in September.

This is the first lift in retail sales since May 2021, following a drop of 2.7 percent in July, and a further dip of 1.7 percent in August.

“Retail turnover continues to vary by state, based on whether restrictions were imposed, removed or extended. Queensland sales rose to their highest level ever, up 5.2 percent, with no lockdowns in September,” said Ben James, the Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Statistics.

“New South Wales also experienced a rise of 2.3 per cent despite having lockdowns, as some restrictions were eased or lifted. However, turnover for New South Wales remains 11.9 per cent lower than May 2021, the month before the most recent lockdown began.”

Victoria was in strict lockdown for the entirety of September, resulting in a 2.1 percent fall in retail turnover. This is the lowest figure Victoria has reported since October 2020. ACT saw a significant drop in sales, falling 12 percent as the city was plunged into lockdown. The September sales for ACT were 29.5 percent lower than its all-time high, which was recorded only two months ago.

The categories that reported the most significant changes were household goods, which increased by 4.3 percent, clothing and footwear, which also saw an uplift of 5.9 percent. Other retailing rose by 2.1 percent, leaving the only fall in department stores, which dipped 0.3 percent.

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