The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported today that retail sales rose 1.8% in February to A$33.1 billion ($24.76 billion) as consumers are now spending more at department stores and cafes.
Australian retail sales continued to rise in February. Following an increase of 1.6% in January, this reflects the improved outlook for household spending in the first quarter of this year.
ABS Director Ben James said luxury spending has picked up. This is because consumers are less cautious in their spending. It contributed to the recovery of retail sales overall and was a positive factor for the corporate sector.
According to the ABS report, sales at cafes and restaurants rose 9.7% in February, while sales at department stores and clothing stores each rose more than 11%.