Preliminary retail turnover rose 1.6% in October

Australian retail turnover rose 1.6 per cent in October 2020, seasonally adjusted, according to preliminary retail trade figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

Turnover rose 7.3 per cent when compared to October 2019. 

Ben James, Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Surveys, said "The reopening of retail stores in Victoria at the end of October led to a boost to all industries, with the exception of food retailing."

"Victoria rose 5.2 per cent from September 2020 but remains 5.7 per cent below the levels of October 2019." 

By industry, cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services led the rises, while there were also rises in clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing, other retailing, and department stores. 

While Victoria led the state rises, there was also a 1.6 per cent rise for New South Wales, following falls in August and September. Western Australia saw a minor monthly rise but led the rises in annual terms, 15.1 per cent above the levels of October 2019.

Further information is available in Retail Trade, Australia, Preliminary (cat. no. 8501.0.55.008).

The ABS thanks all those who contributed data to this release. Further ABS data measuring the impact of COVID-19 on Australia can be found on the ABS website.