Retail sales in February up on pre-pandemic spending

Retail sales in February up on pre-pandemic spending

Statistics revealed today show retail sales in February were up 8.7 per cent on the same month of 2020 before the pandemic was declared, reaching $30.19 billion nationwide.

This represented a 1.1 per cent fall on January retail turnover due to lockdown-triggered declines in Victoria and Western Australia.

"Restrictions due to COVID-19 in Victoria, and parts of Western Australia, drove the February fall. Victoria fell 4 per cent, and Western Australia fell 6 per cent, as trade was restricted for five days in each state," says Ben James, the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) director of quarterly economy-wide surveys.

"The falls were partially offset by rises in New South Wales and Queensland. Both these states had seen trade impacted by COVID-19 in January, and in February saw rises in industries such as clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing and department stores."

Food retailing had the largest falls by industry across the country, although it was still up 6.5 per cent compared to February 2020.

Never miss a news update, subscribe here. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Business News Australia

Enjoyed this article?

Don't miss out on the knowledge and insights to be gained from our daily news and features.

Subscribe today to unlock unlimited access to in-depth business coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive content across all devices.

Support independent journalism and stay informed with stories that matter to you.

Subscribe now and get 50% off your first year!

WorldFirst offers fast and secure cross-border payments to boost global sales for SMEs
Partner Content
WorldFirst, a one-stop digital payment and financial services platform for global busin...
Advertisement

Related Stories

Aussie alcohol-free brand Naked Life Spirts strikes deal with Molson Coors to launch in US

Aussie alcohol-free brand Naked Life Spirts strikes deal with Molson Coors to launch in US

Fresh from a $3 million crowdfunding equity raise last year, Melbou...

Needle-free biotech Vaxxas seals $43m from US Government for its largest trial yet

Needle-free biotech Vaxxas seals $43m from US Government for its largest trial yet

Needle-free vaccine company Vaxxas is being supported by a US Gover...

Nine boss Mike Sneesby steps down after one of his ‘most challenging years’

Nine boss Mike Sneesby steps down after one of his ‘most challenging years’

Nine Entertainment Co (ASX: NEC) boss Mike Sneesby will step down a...

Reece Group buys Melbourne venture studio Shadowboxer and its Southpaw web agency

Reece Group buys Melbourne venture studio Shadowboxer and its Southpaw web agency

The innovation division of Reece Group (ASX: REH) has acquired Melb...