Australia's retail sales were up 0.7% in June which is not a
large rise, but commentators are enthused by the majority of the increase
coming from more sales, not just price rises.
Hardware, building and garden supplies were up by 2.8%,
electrical goods by 2.4%, and homewares and furniture by 1.2%. On the other
hand clothing and footwear showed a decline and department stores were just
into negative territory.
Specialised food retailing, takeaway food, and cafes and
restaurants all showed a rise, while supermarkets recorded a fall in turnover.