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.

Retail sales have shown strong positive growth in the lead up to the Christmas trading period, which will be music to retailers ears. Overall sales finished up 1.58 per cent up on the previous week, with the fashion and accessories sector leading the way with a 4.64 per cent contribution to growth.

Western Australia was the shining light with a 16.89 per cent increase in sales growth on the previous week, while NSW bucked the trend and fell 0.84 per cent.

The overall positive result seen last week is in stark contrast to the same week in 2014, which saw a decrease in sales growth of 4.81 per cent. Retailers will be hoping that this is a predictor of very positive things to come during Christmas.

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