Warmer weather drives 0.7% growth in Australian retail for August

Turnover rose in most industries, with department stores experiencing the largest increase among non-food sectors, rising by 1.6 per cent. Clothing, footwear, and personal accessory retailing followed closely with a 1.5 per cent rise, while other retailing increased by 1.3 per cent.

Australian retail turnover increased by 0.7 per cent in August 2024, driven by record warm weather.
Consumers spent more on summer items, with department stores, clothing and personal accessories seeing the largest growth.
Father’s Day sales also boosted discretionary spending.
Growth was consistent across all states, although some rainfall in Western Australia slightly impacted sales.

Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics, attributed the growth to the unusually warm weather, stating: “Retail spending was boosted this month by warmer-than-usual weather for this time of year. This year was the warmest August on record since 1910, which saw more spending on items typically purchased in spring. This included summer clothing, liquor, outdoor dining, hardware, gardening items, camping goods and outdoor equipment.

“The lift in turnover from the warmer weather was also boosted by higher discretionary spending as consumers took advantage of Father’s Day sales events during the month.”

Retail turnover growth was consistent across the country, with all states and territories recording rises. “While the Eastern mainland states led the rises, most states and territories benefitted from the earlier-than-usual spring temperatures. Although, some unseasonal rainfall over parts of Western Australia dampened sales slightly,” Ewing said.

The warmer weather and seasonal spending patterns are being viewed as key factors driving this sustained retail growth.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)