Unexpected boost from Queen’s death

Australian retail turnover climbed 0.6 per cent in September – the ninth consecutive rise, following a 0.6 per cent increase in August and 1.3 per cent in July.

It was up 17.9 per cent compared with September last year.

ABS head of retail statistics Ben Dorber said it was driven by strength in food industries.

“Food retailing rose one per cent ($134.5m) while cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services rose 1.3 per cent ($65.2m),” he said.

“Many retailers remained open for the national day of mourning, an additional one-off public holiday in September, and this boosted spending on food, alcohol and dining out.”

Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing was up two per cent ($58.1m) following a fall of 2.3 per cent in August.

Other retailing also increased 0.2 per cent, or $11.9m.

Household goods retailing fell 0.8 per cent (-$47m) but was softened by the release of new mobile phone models.

It was the fourth monthly fall in household goods retailing in the past six months.

Department stores were also down 0.4 per cent, or $8m.

The figures come as many people continue to struggle with rising cost of living pressures and high inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will meet on Tuesday, with another cash rate rise expected.