The latest ABS Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.5% in September, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 0.3% in August.



The largest contributor to the rise was food retailing (0.6%), followed by household goods retailing (1.2%), other retailing (0.8%) and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.5%). These rises were partially offset by falls in clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.6%) and department stores (-0.5%). The largest contributor to growth over the longer term is food retailing (up 0.4% in trend terms). 



Turnover rose in all states and territories in September 2012. The largest contributor to the rise was New South Wales (0.5%), followed by Western Australia (1.2%), Queensland (0.5%), Victoria (0.3%), South Australia (0.8%), the Australian Capital Territory (0.7%), Tasmania (0.2%) and the Northern Territory (0.2%).The largest contributor to growth over the longer term is Western Australia (up 0.6% in trend terms). 


The trend estimate for Australian retail turnover rose 0.2% in September 2012. This follows a rise of 0.3% in August 2012 and a rise of 0.3% in July 2012. 



In volume terms, turnover fell 0.1% in the September quarter 2012, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 1.2% in the June quarter 2012.



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