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AAP; October 1, 2024
Warmer-than average weather and Father’s Day sales spurred on an early spring blitz to the shops in a boost to retail figures.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed retail spending grew 0.7 per cent in August and increased 3.1 per cent in the past year.
With higher temperatures prompting people to spend more time outdoors, the bureau’s head of business statistics Robert Ewing said it also led a rise in discretionary spending.
August’s bounce back for retail figures came after sluggish growth of just 0.1 per cent in July.
It comes as charities say they are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for essential non-food items, with eight in 10 saying need has increased.
According to a report from charity distributor Good360, 84 per cent expect the cost-of-living crisis to supercharge demand for these items in the coming year, with personal hygiene products, clothing and educational supplies topping the list.
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