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.

In more positive signs for retailers, sales across the country have continued to climb with overall sales posting growth of 5.48 per cent last week. All retail sectors recorded growth with the stand out performer being furniture and homewares which recorded a lift in sales of over 12 per cent, being the third straight week of growth for this sector. The sporting and recreational goods sector also posted a solid gain of 5.68 per cent.

Overall retail sales have generally been trending upwards since January 2015, apart from a very slow trading period during April. This trend mirrors the results seen in 2014, highlighting the fact that although retail can be a volatile sector, results in general are relatively predictable.