Flat retail conditions bother most States
(23 October 2012 – Australia) ANZ released its Small Business Sales Trends data for September, revealing persistently flat retail conditions.
Small business sales increased just 0.4 percent year-on-year in September and by 2.5 percent year-on-year for the quarter.
Sales growth was stronger in the mining states, with Western Australia showing a 5.8 percent increase and Northern Territory a 4.3 percent increase for the quarter.
Growth in New South Wales was relatively better year-on-year at 2.5 percent, while Tasmania had the weakest results at -1 percent.
Food and travel-related sales continued to grow relatively strongly which is in contrast to the more traditional retail products such as appliances, clothing and homewares which remained weak.
ANZ general manager of Small Business, Nick Reade, said: "Overall the growth in small business sales has remained relatively soft this month and trading conditions across different sectors have remained varied.
"Figures in previous months had suggested a possible resurrection in retail-related small business sales; however the weakness appears to have returned, with sales up only 1.3 percent over the year to the last three months.
"The changing consumer spending patterns and the persistently high Australian dollar continues to encourage spending online and overseas, which is having a negative impact on our traditional retailers," Reade said.
Sales growth was stronger in the mining states, with Western Australia showing a 5.8 percent increase and Northern Territory a 4.3 percent increase for the quarter.
Growth in New South Wales was relatively better year-on-year at 2.5 percent, while Tasmania had the weakest results at -1 percent.
Food and travel-related sales continued to grow relatively strongly which is in contrast to the more traditional retail products such as appliances, clothing and homewares which remained weak.
ANZ general manager of Small Business, Nick Reade, said: "Overall the growth in small business sales has remained relatively soft this month and trading conditions across different sectors have remained varied.
"Figures in previous months had suggested a possible resurrection in retail-related small business sales; however the weakness appears to have returned, with sales up only 1.3 percent over the year to the last three months.
"The changing consumer spending patterns and the persistently high Australian dollar continues to encourage spending online and overseas, which is having a negative impact on our traditional retailers," Reade said.
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