South Australia has recorded a record month for retail trade, driven by AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf.

More than $2.28 billion was spent in April according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The ABS said “turnover is at a record level in South Australia following three straight rises of 0.6 per cent and boosted by the inaugural AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf Adelaide tournament this month”.

In the month of April 2023, a record turnover of $281 million was recorded in cafes, restaurants and take away food services up $54.9 million on the same month in April 2022 or 24 per cent.

Increases in the month of April 2023 compared to the same month in April 2022 were also recorded in food retailing (up $54.2 million), Clothing, footwear & personal accessories (up $24.2 million), Department Stores (up $10.2 million) and other retailing (up $18.5 million).

Retail trade growth through the year in South Australia was 7.6 per cent (an increase of $161.7 million), in seasonally adjusted terms. This was easily the highest growth rate in the nation and significantly above the national average of 4.2 per cent.

Only South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland recorded positive growth in retail trade in April.

Quotes

Attributable to Stephen Mullighan

The Malinauskas Government has invested in major events like the AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf because they provide significant support to our tourism and hospitality sectors.

Today’s results are further proof of that, with April proving to be our highest month of retail spend on record.

We will continue to invest in and look for opportunities to strengthen our economy and support South Australian businesses.