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.

Overall retail sales posted positive growth of 1.46 per cent from the previous week, in a sign that consumers are starting to spend again after the post-Christmas slump.

The sporting and recreational goods and fashion and accessories sectors both saw gains of around 7 per cent after a very poor result the week before.

Retailers will be hoping that sales in the next few weeks continue to lift.