The Australian retail sector has kicked off 2025 with mixed signals – neither booming nor busting. Fresh data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows retail turnover inched up 0.3% in March, following rises of 0.2% in February and 0.4% in January. Year-on-year spending grew 4.3%. But let’s not pop champagne corks yet. In real terms, retail volumes were flat for the March quarter. Per capita volumes actually fell 0.4% – meaning we’re spending more dollars but getting less stuff, as inflation eats away purchasing power. FASHION BUCKS THE TREND The standout performer? Fashion retail hit $3.1 billion in … Continue reading Australian Retail Growth Slows to 0.3% While Fashion Hits $3.1B Record Amid 163% Mortgage Cost Surge