Coronavirus sees retail sales rise in February as Australians stockpiled groceries and pharmaceuticals but clothing sales fell
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus sees retail sales rise in February as Australians stockpiled groceries and pharmaceuticals but clothing sales fell

ABC  

Retail sales rose in February but the devil was in the detail, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic already evident, and economists warning that a short-term boost from panic buying and stockpiling will not last. Key points: The ABS says retail turnover rose 0.5 per cent in February Supermarket and grocery store sales rose 1.1 per cent and department store sales lifted 3.1 per cent Economists expect there were even more extreme swings in spending in March but warn sales will fall once stockpiling ends The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show retail turnover rose 0.5 per cent in the month, seasonally adjusted. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world Turnover rose for takeaway food but fell for cafes and restaurants, while clothing and footwear sales decreased in the month. "In fact spending on shoes and apparel fell by 2.3 per cent over the year to February — the biggest annual decline since 2011," CommSec senior economist Ryan Felsman noted. "Rising unemployment and business closures in many retail categories, as well as border closures domestically and internationally, will eventually offset the effect of lockdown preparations on retail sales."

Retail Coronavirus Sales Spending Cent Rose Retail Sales Retail Turnover  groceries  sales  coronavirus  rise  turnover  cent  fell  sees  data  rose  clothing  stockpiled  pharmaceuticals  abs  stores  supermarkets  spending  retail

History of this topic

Value-seekers drove 2024's retail trends and dead ends
Trending News
1 week, 2 days ago

Value-seekers drove 2024's retail trends and dead ends

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But Amazon could face headwinds in the coming …

Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze
Trending News
2 weeks ago

Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Last-minute Christmas shopping saw a downturn this year as high …

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health

LA Times  

Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. Analysts envisioned a solid holiday shopping season, though perhaps not as robust as last …

Price warning as 17-month run of falling shop inflation ends
1 month, 1 week ago

Price warning as 17-month run of falling shop inflation ends

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 17-month-long run of falling shop inflation has ended, with …

U.S. retail sales ticked up last month in sign of ongoing consumer resilience
3 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. retail sales ticked up last month in sign of ongoing consumer resilience

LA Times  

Americans spent a bit more at retailers last month, providing a small boost to the economy just as the Federal Reserve considers how much to cut its key interest rate. Retail sales ticked up 0.1% from July to August, after jumping the most in a year and a half the previous month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Average paychecks, particularly …

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?

ABC  

Australia's struggling retail sector has been given a glimmer of hope, with rolling sales encouraging shoppers to spend — but economists warn that it may come with the price of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank. The recent jump in retail spending, boosted by clothing and footwear retailers offering big discounts and earlier-than-usual sales seasons, has increased expectations …

The cost-of-living crisis is seeing retailers have near-constant sales, and experts say it's a warning sign for the economy
7 months, 1 week ago

The cost-of-living crisis is seeing retailers have near-constant sales, and experts say it's a warning sign for the economy

ABC  

After navigating her small business through the pandemic, Sara Crampton was confronted with a different challenge in April last year. "With how our business works, we're buying products six months ahead of time, so we couldn't quickly change our strategy," she told The Business. "At that point in time, you're not quite sure if you're the only business that's going …

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans unexpectedly paused their spending in April from March as inflation continued to sting and elevated interest rates made taking on debt more burdensome. Retail sales were unchanged, coming in well below economists’ expectations, and follow a revised 0.6% pace in March, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. The retail sales figure came out on the …

Hopes of Easter bounce for shops are dashed as retail sales flatline with Brits still struggling to cope with high food costs
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Hopes of Easter bounce for shops are dashed as retail sales flatline with Brits still struggling to cope with high food costs

Daily Mail  

Hopes of an Easter bounce for shops have been dashed after retail sales flatlined last month. In a small bright spot, February's retail sales data was revised up from a previous estimate of zero growth to 0.1 per cent. ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said: 'Retail sales registered no growth in March. 'However, these gains were offset by falling food …

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans boosted spending at a hotter-than-expected pace in March, underscoring how shoppers remain resilient despite inflationary pressures and other economic challenges. Retail sales rose 0.7% last month — almost double what economists had forecast — after rising 0.9% in February, according to Commerce Department data released Monday. This is one of the strongest retail sales reports we’ve …

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely. Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% …

Black Friday boosts retailers with sales surging in November despite fears of a tough Christmas for many shops
1 year ago

Black Friday boosts retailers with sales surging in November despite fears of a tough Christmas for many shops

Daily Mail  

Black Friday boosted shops last month with retail sales surging far more than expected. The ONS also revised data for October upwards, reporting that there was zero growth in retail sales rather than the 0.3 per cent fall previously estimated. Volumes were up 1.3 per cent in November as Brits sought out bargains, significantly better than the 0.4 per cent …

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges
1 year, 1 month ago

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans cut back on retail spending in October, ending six straight months of gains, though the decline was partly driven by falling prices for both gasoline and cars. Retail sales fell 0.1% last month after jumping a strong 0.9% in September, according to a report released Wednesday by the Commerce Department. Most retail categories reported a drop …

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges
1 year, 1 month ago

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Americans cut back on retail …

After a summer of splurging, Americans start to pull back on spending
1 year, 1 month ago

After a summer of splurging, Americans start to pull back on spending

LA Times  

A customer browses the holiday lights at a store in Charlotte, N.C. Economists forecast a slowdown in consumer spending in the final three months of the year, as credit card debt and deliquencies rise, and average savings fall. Consumer spending jumped in the July-September quarter, but economists forecast it will slow in the final three months of the year, as …

‘Retail recession’ warning as sales plummet
1 year, 2 months ago

‘Retail recession’ warning as sales plummet

The Telegraph  

High streets are in the grip of a “retail recession”, economists have warned, after shop sales slumped unexpectedly rapidly in September. Retail sales volumes fell by 0.9pc in the month to September, according to the Office for National Statistics. Alex Kerr, assistant economist at Capital Economics, said: “This suggests that after the 18-month-long retail recession came to an end in …

Retail sales rise solid 0.7% in September, reflecting US shoppers’ resilience despite higher prices
1 year, 2 months ago

Retail sales rise solid 0.7% in September, reflecting US shoppers’ resilience despite higher prices

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans showed their steadfast resilience and kept spending online, at restaurants and other outlets in September even as they grappled with higher prices, rising interest rates and a host of other headwinds piling up. Tuesday’s sales figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, but the cost of goods barely rose last month, so the increased spending isn’t a reflection …

Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areas
1 year, 7 months ago

Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areas

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans picked up their spending modestly in April, spending money online and dining out, buoyed by a solid job market and a retreat in prices for some things. That is the first retail sales increase since January, when unusually warm weather and a big jump in Social Security benefits juiced spending. Retail sales data from the U.S. …

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.
1 year, 9 months ago

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — America’s consumers trimmed their spending in February after a buying burst in January, underscoring the volatility of the economic environment. Still, it remains to be seen whether news coverage of bank failures and stock market gyrations will hurt consumer sentiment this month, writes Capital Economics’ Deputy Chief U.S Economist Andrew Hunter in a report issued Wednesday. The …

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled
1 year, 9 months ago

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled

NPR  

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images An unexpected spending spree by U.S. shoppers seems to have calmed. Sponsor Message Inflation has been moderating since peaking last summer, but consumer prices in February were still 6% higher than a year ago, data showed …

Australian retailers had a worse-than-expected Christmas as cost of living pressures bite
1 year, 11 months ago

Australian retailers had a worse-than-expected Christmas as cost of living pressures bite

ABC  

There are clearer signs that consumers are feeling the pain of high inflation and successive interest rate hikes as Australian retailers have posted their first drop in sales in almost a year. Key points: Retail turnover in fell 3.9 per cent in December Turnover rose 7.5 per cent, compared to December 2021 Markets have priced in an 84 per cent …

Next set to reveal sales dip as ‘squeezed middle’ cut Christmas spending
2 years ago

Next set to reveal sales dip as ‘squeezed middle’ cut Christmas spending

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The cautious approach means that there could be no …

Holiday sales up 7.6% despite the squeeze of inflation
2 years ago

Holiday sales up 7.6% despite the squeeze of inflation

LA Times  

Holiday sales rose this year as American spending remained resilient during the critical shopping season despite surging prices on everything from food to rent, according to one measure. Holiday sales rose 7.6%, a slower pace than the 8.5% increase from a year earlier when shoppers began spending the money they had saved during the early part of the pandemic, according …

US retail sales rise as consumers step up spending
2 years, 1 month ago

US retail sales rise as consumers step up spending

Al Jazeera  

Steady job growth, rising wages, and higher savings as people cut back on travel and entertainment during the pandemic have enabled surprisingly steady spending by consumers. Steady job growth, rising wages, and higher savings after many people cut back on travel and entertainment during the pandemic have enabled surprisingly steady spending by consumers, particularly those with higher incomes. Car sales …

NRF: Holiday sales to slow from last year’s blistering pace
2 years, 2 months ago

NRF: Holiday sales to slow from last year’s blistering pace

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects holiday sales growth will slow to a range of 6% to 8%, compared with the blistering 13.5% growth of a year ago. The forecast is in line with a slew of holiday forecasts from various research and consulting firms point to a sales slowdown from last …

Small businesses brace for cautious holiday shoppers
2 years, 2 months ago

Small businesses brace for cautious holiday shoppers

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Small businesses are stocking the shelves early this holiday season and waiting to see how many gifts inflation-weary shoppers feel like giving. AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 4% to 7%, far below last year’s growth of 16%. To prepare, owners say they’re ordering inventory earlier to avoid the supply-chain snags …

Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilience
2 years, 7 months ago

Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilience

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in April, a solid increase that underscores Americans’ ability to keep ramping up spending even as inflation persists at nearly a 40-year high. “Despite the surge in prices weighing on their purchasing power, the U.S. consumer now appears to be single-handedly keeping the global economy afloat.” The Tuesday report also showed that sales …

Retail sales rise 0.5% in March amid soaring inflation
2 years, 8 months ago

Retail sales rise 0.5% in March amid soaring inflation

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Retail sales rose modestly in March, but higher prices for food, gasoline and other basics took a big share of consumers’ wallets. January’s increase of 4.9% was the biggest jump in spending since March 2021, when American households received a final federal stimulus check of $1,400. Matt Shay, CEO of National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail …

US retail sales rose 0.3% in February as high prices take a bite
2 years, 9 months ago

US retail sales rose 0.3% in February as high prices take a bite

Al Jazeera  

Many retailers are bracing for how the war in Ukraine will worsen supply shortages, with reports already surfacing of limited supplies of wheat, metals, and electronic chips. Retail sales increased 0.3 percent after registering a revised 4.9 percent jump from December to January, driven by wage gains, solid hiring and more money in banking accounts, according to the Department of …

January retail sales surge 3.8% as consumers defy inflation
2 years, 10 months ago

January retail sales surge 3.8% as consumers defy inflation

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Fueled by pay gains, solid hiring and enhanced savings, Americans sharply ramped up their spending at retail stores last month in a sign that many consumers remain unfazed by rising inflation. Retail sales jumped 3.8% from December to January, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, a much bigger increase than economists had expected. “Job growth is strong, wages …

US shoppers find some groceries scarce due to virus, weather
2 years, 11 months ago

US shoppers find some groceries scarce due to virus, weather

Associated Press  

Benjamin Whitely headed to a Safeway supermarket in Washington D.C. on Tuesday to grab some items for dinner. “I’m going to have to hunt around for stuff now.” Shortages at U.S. grocery stores have grown more acute in recent weeks as new problems — like the fast-spreading omicron variant and severe weather — have piled on to the supply chain …

COVID-19 case rise won't stop shoppers spending $21b during this year's Boxing Day sales, say retailers
3 years ago

COVID-19 case rise won't stop shoppers spending $21b during this year's Boxing Day sales, say retailers

ABC  

Australian shoppers are expected to spend $21 billion at retailers across the country during this year's Boxing Day sales, despite the surge in COVID-19 cases and rising concerns about the highly infectious Omicron strain. Australian Retailers Association research conducted with Roy Morgan predicts Australians will have spent $58.8 billion in pre-Christmas sales, and a massive $21 billion in post-Boxing Day …

Early Christmas shopping boosts UK retail sales to
3 years, 1 month ago

Early Christmas shopping boosts UK retail sales to

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Early Christmas shopping helped British …

Retail sales climb despite rising prices, supply issues
3 years, 2 months ago

Retail sales climb despite rising prices, supply issues

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans continued to spend at a solid clip in September even while facing sticker shock in grocery aisles, car lots and restaurants as snarled global supply chains slow the flow of goods. “They are coming to enjoy the experience with their families that they hadn’t been able to do in a long time,” said Tiffany Markofsky, chief …

September retail sales near pre-pandemic levels
3 years, 2 months ago

September retail sales near pre-pandemic levels

Deccan Chronicle  

Chennai: With festive cheer spreading, retail sales in September grew faster compared to the same month last year and was closer to the pre-pandemic level in September 2019. According to the Retailers Association of India, retail sales in September 2021 were at 96 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels of September 2019. When compared to September 2019, categories like consumer …

Retail trade slumps on COVID-19 lockdowns, ASX drops as oil prices hit three-year high
3 years, 3 months ago

Retail trade slumps on COVID-19 lockdowns, ASX drops as oil prices hit three-year high

ABC  

The Australian market has fallen sharply, as oil prices jumped to a three-year high and prolonged COVID lockdowns across the nation led to another slump in retail sales. Key points: The ASX 200 has dropped 3pc since the month began Retail turnover fell 1.7pc in August Brent crude has surged 52pc since January 1 The benchmark ASX 200 closed 1.5 …

UK retail sales fall sharply despite easing COVID pandemic curbs
3 years, 4 months ago

UK retail sales fall sharply despite easing COVID pandemic curbs

India TV News  

The UK's retail sales volumes fell by 2.5 per cent in July from June despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions, but still 5.8 per cent higher than the pre-pandemic levels in February 2020, the Office for National Statistics said. Food store sales volumes dropped monthly by 1.5 per cent in July, following an increase in the previous month when sales …

Is the pandemic fuelling a back-to-school shopping trend?
3 years, 5 months ago

Is the pandemic fuelling a back-to-school shopping trend?

Live Mint  

The retail industry is poised for its biggest back-to-school shopping season in at least five years, buoyed by parents and students who are primed to snap up gear for the in-person classroom experience after a year of virtual learning. “Parents want to really prepare and be ready,” Lands’ End Chief Executive Officer Jerome Griffith said. For college students, larger class …

Retail sales record surprise fall in May
3 years, 6 months ago

Retail sales record surprise fall in May

The Telegraph  

Britons put socialising ahead of shopping last month after a surprise fall in retail spending, official figures showed. Sales fell 1.4pc last month - a stark contrast with April's 9.2pc surge as shops reopened - after the return of eating out hit food sales, the Office for National Statistics said. The 5.7pc slide in food sales offset pockets of strength …

Shopping surges in May after pandemic restrictions ease
3 years, 7 months ago

Shopping surges in May after pandemic restrictions ease

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor revealed that total …

Retail footfall one-third lower than pre-Covid level despite shop re-openings
3 years, 8 months ago

Retail footfall one-third lower than pre-Covid level despite shop re-openings

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Retail footfall in April was 240.8 per cent higher …

A great rotation in consumer spending has begun overseas
3 years, 8 months ago

A great rotation in consumer spending has begun overseas

Live Mint  

Women are saying yes to the dress. And dressier clothing is just the start of what may be a ‘great rotation’ in consumer spending. At the end of last year, we argued that a vaccine-driven economic recovery would shift what people buy—they’d order less leisure wear and buy fewer cushions, but put more money toward champagne, suits and experiences. Nestle …

Americans update their closets as they emerge from pandemic
3 years, 8 months ago

Americans update their closets as they emerge from pandemic

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — After a year of being stuck in sweatpants, pajamas and fuzzy slippers, Americans are starting to dress up and go out again. “My plan is to dress up and enjoy the things in my wardrobe,” said Beth Embrescia, 51, an executive fundraiser who for the last year paired dressy tops with sweatpants and Birkenstocks for work Zoom …

With layoffs down and spending up, US rebound gains momentum
3 years, 8 months ago

With layoffs down and spending up, US rebound gains momentum

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A much-awaited economic boom coming off the pandemic recession appeared to edge closer to reality Thursday with fresh data showing the pace of layoffs dwindling, consumers spending freely and manufacturing rebounding. And sales at retail stores and restaurants jumped 9.8% in March, the biggest gain since last May, when the economy first started to rebound from the virus’ …

'This Was Bad': Retail Sales Suffer Big Chill In February Amid Stormy Weather
3 years, 9 months ago

'This Was Bad': Retail Sales Suffer Big Chill In February Amid Stormy Weather

NPR  

'This Was Bad': Retail Sales Suffer Big Chill In February Amid Stormy Weather Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Joe Raedle/Getty Images Consumers put their pocketbooks on ice last month after a spending spree in January. A winter storm that blanketed much of the country's midsection last month was partly to blame, depressing demand for sporting goods, home …

Retail group: holiday sales up 8.3% amid big spending shift
3 years, 11 months ago

Retail group: holiday sales up 8.3% amid big spending shift

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The nation’s largest retail trade group said Friday that holiday sales soared 8.3%, far exceeding its forecast even as the coronavirus kept shoppers away from physical stores. Moreover, even within the retail industry, big box stores like Walmart and Target are dominating the landscape, enjoying big sales gains at the expense of mall-based stores that were forced …

Retail sales slump in November amid lockdown
4 years ago

Retail sales slump in November amid lockdown

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Retail sales in Britain slumped …

Retail sales fell 1.1% in November, biggest drop in 7 months
4 years ago

Retail sales fell 1.1% in November, biggest drop in 7 months

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans held back on spending during the start of the holiday shopping season, a troubling sign for retailers and the state of the U.S. economy. U.S. retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 1.1% in November, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The Commerce Department on Wednesday also revised October’s report, saying that retail sales fell 0.1% that …

Coronavirus: Is shopping in stores safe during the pandemic?
4 years, 1 month ago

Coronavirus: Is shopping in stores safe during the pandemic?

India Today  

There are ways to reduce risk, but health experts advise avoiding it when possible. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says holiday shopping in crowded stores is a “higher risk” activity and that people should limit any in-person shopping, including at supermarkets. Instead, the agency recommends shopping online, visiting outdoor markets or using curbside pickup, where workers bring …

Weak 0.3% US October sales gain spreads some holiday unease
4 years, 1 month ago

Weak 0.3% US October sales gain spreads some holiday unease

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Retail sales in the U.S. grew a sluggish 0.3% in October, even as retailers offered early holiday discounts online and in stores. A surge in coronavirus infections nationwide and the expiration of a $600 weekly boost to unemployment checks over the summer has slowed spending by Americans and contributed to the slowest retail sales growth since this …

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