S&P/ASX 200

(MT Newswires) -- Seasonally adjusted Australian retail turnover fell 4.2% in December last year compared with the previous month, according to preliminary data released on Friday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Five out of the six retail industries posted declines for the month, led by household goods which sank 9% following a surge in November caused by Black Friday sales. Other retailing, department stores, clothing, footwear and personal accessory all slid in December.

Food retailing slipped 2% on the back of restricted gatherings during the holidays. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services were the only sectors that saw increases during the period.

Victoria led the retail turnover decline, sliding 7% in December following a 22% rise in November due to the easing of restrictions. New South Wales' retail sales fell 5% following localized restrictions in Sydney. The Northern Territory was the only to post an increase in retail turnover for the period.

On a year on year basis, turnover for December rose 9.4% compared with the same month in 2019.

The final retail trade data, including quarterly volume estimates, is set to be disclosed on Feb. 5.