The ABS notes that "Australian retail.....>

AUSTRALIA: The ABS notes that "Australian retail turnover rose 16.3% in May '20,

seasonally adjusted, according to preliminary retail trade figures. This is the

largest seasonally adjusted rise ever published in the 38 years of the Retail

Trade survey, following the largest ever seasonally adjusted fall of 17.7% in

April '20. Turnover rose 5.3% when compared to May '19. These preliminary

figures show rises in every industry. In % terms, the rises are particularly

strong in industries that recorded low levels of trade in April. There were

large rises for clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing and cafes,

restaurants and takeaway food services, as restrictions on trade were lifted

during May. Despite the rises, both these industries remain well down on the

levels of May '19. There were also large rises in household goods retailing,

where retailers reported increases in spending relating to homes, including

furniture, home entertainment, home offices, and home improvement. Food

retailing rose as households continued to consume additional food and beverages

at home during May. Levels in liquor retailing remain high, as restrictions on

hospitality, such as bars, clubs and events, remained in place for May 2020."