Retail sales across Australia reached a record $33.6 billion in March, despite inflationary pressure.
In seasonally adjusted terms, sales increased by 1.6 per cent across the month, up an impressive 9.4 per cent over last March, the ABS reports.
“Rising prices, combined with the continued easing of restrictions across the country, has led to rises in turnover in all three months of the March quarter,” ABS statistician Ben James said.
“Following flooding in late February and early March along the east coast, impacted businesses regained lost turnover from forced closures as consumers restocked pantries.”
Department store spending led the way, up 4.1 per cent. Spending on household goods rose 3.4 per cent, while restaurants and takeaway (up 2 per cent ) and clothing and footwear ( up 0.5 per cent) saw modest rises.
Queensland and NSW shoppers splurged the most, with spending increase 3.4 and 1.8 per cent, respectively.
South Australia was the only state to see decreased spending, down 0.7 per cent.
