The latest ABS Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.2 per cent in April 2013, seasonally adjusted, following a fall of 0.4 per cent in March 2013.

The largest contributor to the rise in April 2013 was food retailing (0.5 per cent) followed by clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (1.8 per cent), cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.5 per cent) and other retailing (0.1 per cent). These rises were partially offset by falls in department stores (-2.0 per cent) and household goods retailing (-0.6 per cent). Over the longer term, the largest contributor to growth remains food retailing (up 0.6 per cent in trend terms). 

The state which was the largest contributor to the rise was New South Wales (0.6 per cent) followed by Victoria (0.3 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (1.0 per cent), Queensland (0.1 per cent) and South Australia (0.2 per cent). These rises were partially offset by falls in Western Australia (-0.8 per cent), Tasmania (-1.0 per cent) and the Northern Territory (-1.6 per cent). Over the longer term, New South Wales remains the strongest contributor to growth (up 0.6 per cent in trend terms).

Through the year, Australian retail turnover rose 3.1 per cent in April 2013, seasonally adjusted, compared to April 2012.

The trend estimate for Australian retail turnover rose 0.4 per cent in April 2013. This follows a 0.4 per cent rise in March 2013. Through the year, the trend estimate rose 3.2 per cent in April 2013 compared to April 2012.

More detailed industry analysis and further information on the statistical methodology is available in Retail Trade, Australia (cat no. 8501.0).