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Australian retail sales fell 0.1% month over month (seasonally adjusted) in April 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This statistic is below market predictions—which called for a 0.3% rise—and contradicts the 0.3% growth seen in March 2025. The drop suggests a potential decline in discretionary consumer spending in the industry.
With a 2.5% decline registered in both department stores, the retailing of clothing, shoes, and personal accessories saw the most notable drops. In-home goods retail (+0.6%) and other retail (+0.7%), there were partial offsets. Food-related spending revealed varied results; cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food establishments grew (+1.1%); food retailing fell (-0.3%).
Queensland's state level growth of 1.4% was fueled by recovery from cyclone-related interruptions; Western Australia increased 0.4%. March growth, meanwhile, caused losses across all other states and territories. This general declining trend in retail sales points to a deceleration in Australian consumer demand.
