Retail trade benefits from busy March

Submitted 13/05/2011

Migration for Business Growth

 

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed a rise in local retail trade and a decrease in building approvals, according to the State's leading business memebership organisation, Business SA.

Retail turnover in South Australia for March 2011 was 0.3 per cent higher (seasonally adjusted) than the previous month's figures.

This compares to the national retail turnover which decreased 0.5 per cent during the same month.

Business SA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vaughan, said that the busy month of March had provided a much needed boost to retailers.

"It was pleasing that retail trade increased in March, particularly given that low consumer confidence has maintained pressure on local retailers," said Mr Vaughan.

Local building approval figures went against the national trend with a decrease in March 2011.

Data revealed that South Australian building approvals decreased by a seasonally adjusted 22.5 per cent in March. This was in contrast with the national trend which saw an increase of 9.1 per cent.

Approvals for private housing in South Australia decreased by 2.1 per cent, while national figures also decreased 0.8 per cent.