CONSUMPTION


RETAIL TRADE

The December 2008 seasonally adjusted estimate for South Australia's retail turnover was $1,363.1m, while the estimate for Australia was $19,162.8m. South Australia's contribution to total retail turnover in Australia in December 2008 was 7.1%, down from 7.2% in November 2008.

From November 2008, the increase in retail turnover for South Australia across all retail industries was 2.4%, while turnover for Australia grew by 3.8%.

Comparing the December quarter 2008 with the December quarter 2007, the two South Australian industry groups with the largest percentage increases in retail turnover (in trend terms) were Food retailing, rising by 12.2% to $1,768.3m, and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, rising by 10.8% to $438.7m.

The only South Australian industry group to report a decrease in retail turnover was Clothing and soft good retailing, which decreased by 0.1% to $196.5m.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES

In January 2009, 3,081 new passenger vehicles and 4,973 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, 45,206 new passenger vehicles and 75,937 new vehicles in total (in trend terms) were sold in January 2009. The trend estimate for total new vehicle sales in Australia has continually decreased since December 2007.