Retail signs of recovery

RETAIL sales are showing signs of a recovery following 18 months of easing sales growth, according to latest figures from Australia’s peak food and grocery body.

Sales revenue across the country’s retail sector grew 4.6 per cent to $26.4 billion during June compared to a year ago, a retail index produced by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and pallets business CHEP Retail Index shows. This follows 18 months of softening growth.

AFGC chief Tanya Barden says the index shows a retail sector set for a modest recovery.