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 a welcome positive finish to the first month of 2016, retail sales showed strong growth last week with a lift of 8 per cent on the previous week. This figure was largely thanks to a significant turnaround by the furniture sector, with a 21.15 per cent lift on the previous week. Those who follow the Index performance each week would recall that the furniture sector saw a sharp decline two weeks ago, making last week’s performance even more relevant.

The fashion sector continued its roller-coaster ride with an 8.05 per cent decrease in sales performance from the previous week. This sector has grown overall over the last few months but has experienced tumultuous weeks of trading, rarely stringing together two consistent weeks of sales. It’s worth making mention of the sporting goods sector which grew by over 6 per cent again last week, giving more good news to this often over-looked but very consistently performing sector.

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