Australian retail sales rose by 0.7% in August 2024, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
This growth follows a modest increase of 0.1% in July and 0.5% in June.
Robert Ewing, head of business statistics at ABS, attributed the rise in retail spending to warmer-than-usual weather for this time of year.
"This year was the warmest August on record since 1910, which saw more spending on items typically purchased in spring," Ewing noted.
Notable categories included summer clothing, liquor, outdoor dining, hardware, gardening items, camping goods, and outdoor equipment.
Turnover increased across most industries. Among non-food sectors, department stores saw the largest rise at 1.6%, followed closely by clothing, footwear, and personal accessory retailing at 1.5%, and other retailing at 1.3%.
Ewing added that the warm weather also contributed to higher discretionary spending as consumers capitalized on Father’s Day sales events during the month.
In contrast, household goods retailing experienced a slight decline of 0.3%, following a surge in spending due to mid-year sales.
Food-related industries also showed growth, with cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services leading the way with a 1.0% increase, followed by food retailing at 0.6%.
"More people were dining at cafes and restaurants, enjoying the warm end to winter, which also boosted spending on alcohol consumed at home," Ewing explained.
Retail turnover growth was consistent across the nation, with all states and territories reporting increases.