ABS August 2014 retail trade figures released TODAY (0.1 percent increase)

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the seasonally adjusted rise (0.1 percent increase) in monthly retail trade figures (month-on-month) reported today by the ABS followed a 0.4 percent rise in July 2014.

Although year on year retail growth rose 5.1 percent in August 2014 (seasonally adjusted, compared to August 2013) year on year retail growth in July was a much healthier 5.8 percent.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers enjoyed only a small increase in sales in August. 

“Consumers spent more on food retailing (0.3%), cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.2%) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.3%) during August. Department stores suffered a decline in sales (-2.9%) as well as household goods retailing (-0.8%). It will be interesting to see whether next month’s figures show a rise in both household goods and department store retailing as we welcome the start of spring. 

“In seasonally adjusted terms the states which displayed rises were Victoria (0.7%), Northern Territory (1.7%) and Western Australia (0.1%), whilst South Australia and Tasmania were relatively unchanged (0.0%). The states which displayed falls were Queensland (-0.6%), New South Wales (-0.1%) and the Australian Capital Territory (-0.4%). 

“It’s no surprise Victoria experienced a jump in sales late August as Melbourne prepared for 2014 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW). Over the years MSFW has showcased hundreds of local and international designers and continues to attract thousands of people into Melbourne’s retail stores. 

“The Australian Retail Index (delivered by BDO and Retail Express) also confirmed the stand-out performers for late August were Fashion & Accessories and Sporting & Recreational Goods - both categories up by over 8%. These results were even better than those seen in the same week in 2013, confirming that retail sales are in a healthier position than they were 12 months ago. 

“While we are hopeful that September figures will continue to highlight positive growth with the change in season encouraging consumers to update their wardrobes, it is imperative that the Federal Government and RBA do all that they can to ensure that retail trade is fully supported. The festive season is also fast approaching and interest rates must remain low in order to support business,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (July 2014 – August 2014 seasonally adjusted) 

Food retailing (0.3%),  Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.3%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.2%), Other retailing (1.6%), Household goods retailing (-0.8%) and Department stores (-2.9%). Total sales (0.1%). 

Northern Territory (1.7%), Victoria (0.7%), Western Australia (0.1%), Tasmania (0.0), South Australia (0.0%), New South Wales (-0.1%), Australian Capital Territory (-0.4%) and Queensland (-0.6%). Total sales (0.1%). 

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (August  2013 – August 2014 seasonally adjusted) 

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (10.1%), Other retailing (6.0%), Food retailing (5.5%), Household goods retailing (4.2%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (1.4%) and Department stores (-3.1%). Total sales (5.1%). 

New South Wales (8.4%), Tasmania (6.9%), Victoria (6.5%), Northern Territory (2.3%), Queensland (2.0%), South Australia (1.9%), Western Australia (1.3%) and Australian Capital Territory (1.0%). Total sales (5.1%).

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends