Australian retail turnover rose 0.1% in March 2014, following a rise of 0.3% in February 2014, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
During the month, turnover rose in food retailing (0.5%) and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1.1%).
Sales in household goods retailing, clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing, and department stores witnessed a drop by 1.1%, 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.1% respectively.
Geographically, New South Wales (0.8%), Queensland (0.2%), Tasmania (0.8%) and the Northern Territory (0.1%) recorded a rise in turnover.
Through the year, Australian retail turnover rose 5.7% in March 2014, seasonally adjusted, compared to March 2013.
The trend estimate for Australian retail turnover rose 0.5% in March 2014, which follows a 0.6% rise in February 2014.
Through the year, the trend estimate increased by 6.1% in March 2014 compared to March 2013.
In volume terms, turnover rose 1.2% in the March quarter 2014, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 1.1% in the December quarter 2013.
