ARA - Winter sales better late than never

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the positive trade figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) represent a better than expected trade in May with 3.82 percent total growth year-on-year.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the May retail trade figures illustrate a positive outlook for the industry as retailers head into winter.

“Retail figures have improved from April across the board with the cold winter snap driving consumers indoors,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Clothing Footwear and Personal Accessories figures have levelled out in May, showing a 3.76 percent increase year-on-year.”

Household Goods (5.11%), Electrical (5.80%) and Furniture (8.62%) have seen the strongest year-on-year growth with many new electronic products launched to the public in late April.

Mr Zimmerman said the late arrival of cold weather might have had a positive effect on retail sales but some retailers are still not getting the sales volume they need due to the considerable amount of discounting happening across Australia.

“Although liquor has slowed down considerably as we move away from Easter, Supermarkets, Cafés Restaurants and Takeaway Food remain strong.”

May trade figures remained steady across the board with all states showing a stable growth. Australian Capital Territory (5.68%), Victoria (5.19%), South Australia (4.90%) and Tasmania (4.53%) lead the pack with modest year-on-year growth.

While New South Wales (3.93%) and Queensland (3.07%) also show a moderate year-on-year increase. Both Western Australia (0.98%) and the Northern Territory (0.62%) might trail behind the other state still show fairly stable figures.

“As we enter the colder months we will see retail growth remain strong, giving retailers breathing room in the tough trading environment,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We look forward to seeing consumers take advantage of the end of financial year sales in June giving retailers another boost in sales.” 

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (April 2017– May 2017 seasonally adjusted) 

Household goods retailing (2.2%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (1.3%), Cafés, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.6%), Other retailing (0.6%), Food retailing (0.1%) and Department stores (-0.7%). 

New South Wales (1.3%), Victoria (1.2%), South Australia (0.8%), Western Australia (0.3%), Tasmania (1.2%), Australian Capital Territory (1.0%), Queensland (-1.1%) and the Northern Territory (-0.5%).

Total sales (0.6%).

 

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (May 2016 – May 2017 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (5.11%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (3.76%), Cafés, restaurants and takeaway food services (5.26%), Other retailing (2.89%), Food retailing (3.75%) and Department stores (-0.32%). 

New South Wales (3.93%), Victoria (5.19%), South Australia (4.90%), Western Australia (0.98%), Tasmania (4.53%), Australian Capital Territory (5.68%), Queensland (3.07%) and the Northern Territory (0.62%). 

Total sales (3.82%).

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

 

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