Australian retail turnover rose 1.4% in March 2021, seasonally adjusted, according to preliminary retail trade Figures released today by the ABS.
Turnover rose 2.3% when compared to March 2020, which was the first month of the COVID lock down period when retail spending rose 10% as households rushed to fill pantries ahead of the lock down.
Ben James, Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Surveys, said: “Victoria and Western Australia led the rises, after COVID-19 lockdowns impacted retail sales in February 2021.
Queensland saw a small fall, with Greater Brisbane impacted by lockdown restrictions from 29 March.”
Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (6%) led the rises by industry, driven by increases in Victoria and Western Australia. Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing, and department stores also saw rises led by these two states. Nationally, food retailing saw a fall of 1%.
The March quarter is relatively unchanged in current price, seasonally adjusted terms. This follows a rise in the December quarter of 2.5%. Quarterly volume estimates will be included in the final Retail Trade release on 10 May, 2021.
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