The latest ABS Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.6 per cent in June 2014, seasonally adjusted, following a fall of 0.3 per cent in May 2014. Turnover rose in household good retailing (1.7 per cent), food retailing (0.5 per cent), other retailing (0.9 per cent) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (1.4 per cent). These rises were partially offset by falls in cafes, restaurant and takeaway food services (-0.6 per cent) and department stores (-0.5 per cent).
Seasonally adjusted turnover rose in New South Wales (0.9 per cent), Victoria (0.6 per cent), Western Australia (1.1 per cent), South Australia (0.5 per cent), Tasmania (1.3 per cent) and the Northern Territory (0.3 per cent). Queensland was relatively unchanged (0.0 per cent). There was a fall in the Australian Capital Territory (-0.5 per cent). 
Through the year, Australian retail turnover rose 5.5 per cent in June 2014, seasonally adjusted, compared to June 2013. The trend estimate for Australian retail turnover rose 0.1 per cent in June 2014. This follows a 0.1 per cent rise in May 2014. Through the year, the trend estimate rose 5.3 per cent in June 2014 compared to June 2013. In seasonally adjusted volume terms, turnover fell 0.2 per cent in the June quarter 2014, following a rise of 1.3 per cent in the March quarter 2014.
Looking at spend per capita, we see it fell a little in June, to $2,887. Looking at the changes over time, we see the trend still dropping, so households are not yet showing strong growth in retail spend – this is because for many, the costs of housing, child care and utility bills are blotting up more of their wallet.
