Retail turnover in Australia grew by 0.5% in July 2023, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This comes after the turnover dropped by 0.8% in June and a 0.8% rise in May this year.

During the month, turnover in non-food industries also returned to growth after larger falls in June.

Turnover in department stores grew 3.6%, while clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing registered 2.0% growth in July.

The data also revealed that there was rise in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services by 1.3% in July.

Food retailing was relatively unchanged in July, in seasonally adjusted terms, while household goods retailing fell for the second consecutive month at 0.2% during the month.

ABS retail statistics head Ben Dorber said: "The rise in July is a partial reversal of last month’s sharp decline in turnover. This was after weaker-than-usual end of financial year sales.

“While there was a rise in July, underlying growth in retail turnover remained subdued. In trend terms, retail turnover was unchanged in July and up only 1.9% compared to July 2022, despite considerable price growth over the year.

“Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services turnover grew considerably, despite an overall slowing down in food-related spending in recent months.

“The rise in July was boosted by additional spending at catering and takeaway food outlets linked to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and school holidays.”