West Australians have bucked dour nationwide end-of-financial-year sales figures, splashing nearly $4 billion as the rest of the nation tightens its belt.
West Australians have bucked dour nationwide end-of-financial-year sales figures, splashing nearly $4 billion as the rest of the nation tightens its belt.
Fresh ABS data released on Friday revealed Australian retail turnover fell nearly 1 per cent in June, its steepest drop since abysmal Christmas 2022 sales which saw turnover plummet nearly 4 per cent.
But it was a different story in WA, where monthly turnover rose 0.5 per cent in June to $3.99 billion.
The mood on Hay and Murray Street malls was one of cautious optimism on Friday, with several retailers telling Business News sales had been steady this year.
De Burgh’s Shoes owner Leigh De Burgh said his top-of-the range products were selling better than ever.
“We bounced back pretty quickly around Easter last year when the masks came off and have been going pretty well since,” he said.
“June was probably the slowest of the past 12 months – just a little down on the previous year where everything else had been up.
“But July has bounced back.”
Mr De Burgh said the positive outlook came as his business readied to move to a permanent home between the Apple Store and King Street.
WA, Tasmania and the Top End were the only regions to record positive growth in June.
Victoria and NSW were hardest hit, each down more than 1 per cent after promising May figures.
ABS head of retail statistics Ben Dorber said cost-of-living was weighing on consumer spending.
“There was extra discounting and promotional activity in May, leading up to mid-year sales events,” he said.
“This delivered a boost in turnover for retailers, but that proved to be temporary as consumers pulled back on spending in June.”
Department stores were hit hardest with a 5 per cent drop in sales for the month, while food outlets experienced a 0.3 per cent decline.
Spend on clothing, footwear and personal accessories fell 2.2 per cent.
Adding to the pain for some retailers, the ABS’ latest final demand figures found input and operational costs for cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services climbed 1.7 per cent in the June quarter.
Construction sector costs were up about 0.9 per cent due to labour shortages, freight and material prices.
Total final demand eased to 0.5 per cent due to falls in accommodation, motor vehicle and fuel prices.
