Australian retail spending up 3.8% in April

Retail sales hit $37.2b.

Consumer spending in Australia grew 3.8% year-on-year in April 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Retail sales hit $37.2b, driven by gains in cosmetics, sports goods (up 5.3%), food (4.2%), cafes and takeaways (3.9%), and household items (3.8%). Clothing rose 1.35%, whilst department stores saw no change.

Australian Retailers Association CEO Chris Rodwell said the slight growth above 2024 levels is positive but warned that cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty still weigh heavily on consumers.

“Whilst April growth dropped back slightly compared to March, it’s encouraging to see the steady performance across all retail categories,” he said. “The results were also bolstered by Easter spending, which took place in April this year.”

The recent RBA rate cut may boost confidence, but more cuts are needed for a strong recovery, he added.

Rodwell urged government support to help retailers manage rising costs and supply chain issues amid global tensions and US tariffs.

“As a sector that employs one in ten Australians and delivers $430b to our national economy, every Australian is impacted by our retail performance,” he said.

“From productivity measures to reduction in red-tape, we urge policy makers to support the sustainability and growth of these vital retail employers as they continue to grapple with cost increases from rent, wages, energy, insurance as well as ongoing supply chain instability,” Rowell added.