CONSUMPTION


RETAIL TRADE

The February 2009 seasonally adjusted estimate for South Australia's retail turnover was $1,331.1m, while the estimate for Australia was $18,873.4m. South Australia's contribution to total retail turnover in Australia remained steady from January 2009 to February 2009 at 7.1%.

From January 2009, the decrease in retail turnover for South Australia across all retail industries was 2.4%, while turnover for Australia decreased by 2.0%.

Comparing February 2009 with February 2008, the South Australian industry groups with the largest percentage increases in retail turnover (in seasonally adjusted terms) were Food retailing, which rose by 9.4% to $585.3m, and Household good retailing, which rose by 8.9% to $232.4m.

The South Australian industry groups with the largest decreases in retail turnover were Department stores, which decreased by 8.6% to $114.5m, and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, which decreased by 3.0% to $143.9m.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES

In March 2009, 2,795 new passenger vehicles and 4,548 new vehicles in total (in trend terms) were sold in South Australia. The trend estimate for total new vehicle sales in South Australia has continually decreased since February 2008.

In Australia, 42,591 new passenger vehicles and 71,725 new vehicles in total (in trend terms) were sold in March 2009. The trend estimate for total new vehicle sales in Australia has continually decreased since January 2008.