Retail sales fell during April, despite economists’ predictions of a 0.2% rise, according to the latest figures available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The figures show the trend estimate for retail sales in April grew by 0.3%, but the seasonally adjusted measure fell by 0.2% to $21.2 billion.
This follows a rise of 1.1% in March and 0.2% in February.
The food retailing industry rose by 0.4%, while cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services also rose by 1%, followed by other retailing up 0.5%, and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing up 0.3%. Department stores also rose 0.3%.
Household goods retailing fell 0.4%.
The Australian Capital Territory recorded the highest rise at 0.8% , while Victoria remained flat.
This article first appeared on SmartCompany.
