Inside Retail presents the Australian Retail Index.

The index gives a quick overview of retail statistics in four key categories; fashion and accessories, furniture and homewares, sporting and recreational, and other.

Key retail statistics are shown weekly, with yearly comparisons available.

Sales in the fashion and accessories category bounced back last week, recording positive movement of 5.71 per cent increase in sales growth on the previous week.

This sector has struggled to record two straight weeks of positive growth, so retailers will be hoping this trend continues over the next few weeks at least.

The sporting and recreational goods sector continued its positive run with a 4.54 per cent increase in sales, giving it a third straight week of growth.

Retailers across the country will be hoping that consumers open their wallets during the upcoming Easter long weekend and school holiday period.