According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), retail turnover fell by 0.5% in December to $27.77 billion in a sign of continued weak demand in the sector.
Shoppers are increasingly choosing to bring their Christmas shopping forward to November to avoid crowds and take advantage of sales events such as Black Friday. The focus on sales and ongoing price competition is adding to pressure on retailers, with more closures anticipated.
Month down, quarter up
A weak result in December was expected given stronger than expected results in November when the ABS recorded a 0.9% rise in retail turnover.
On the plus side, results for the December quarter showed a 0.5% increase in sales, the largest quarterly increase since June 2018. Much of this increase can be attributed to the November sales, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events.
Over the quarter, sales of household goods increased 1.4%, while clothing and department stores recorded increases of 1.5% and 2.1% respectively. Dining out increased by 0.5%.
Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) that last year's interest rate cuts had helped households improve their balance sheets and free up spending money. This was, "bringing forward the day when households feel comfortable to lift their spending again," Lowe said.
Sector concerns remain
Nonetheless, ABC News reports that economists predict retail to continue to underperform over the next few months, which may prompt further rate cuts. In the near term, the impact of bushfires and coronavirus remains a concern, with the latter impacting on tourist and student arrivals.
The bushfires significantly impacted New South Wales shoppers, with seasonally adjusted turnover in the state declining 1.2% in December. Sales fell by 1.3% in South Australia, 0.5% in Queensland, 0.4% in the Northern Territory and 0.1% in ACT in December. Sales in Victoria and Western Australia were flat while Tasmania recorded a 1.1% increase.
Some retailers see improvements
For individual retailers, the outlook varies. While news broke this week that Colette by Colette Hayman was the latest retail to enter administration, others have had more positive results.
Homewares retailer Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) released figures for 1HFY20 this week showing a 50% increase in revenue year on year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 130% to $2.3 million from $1 million in 1HFY19.
Clothing retailer Mosaic Brands Ltd (ASX: MOZ) also announced a share buy back yesterday in anticipation of positive future earnings generation.
According to the AFR, the improvement in spending in the December quarter and continued house price growth prompted UBS to upgrade Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) to 'neutral' and 'buy', respectively.
Furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) believes sales will improve this half following an increase in foot traffic and customer orders in the December quarter. Nick Scali reported better than expected first-half profits yesterday, with shares closing around 11% higher in response to the results.
