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Australian retail sales volumes rose 1.4% in the June quarter 2022, hitting a new record level, for the third consecutive quarter, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

The continuing sales growth was despite the largest hike in retail prices since the introduction of the GST in 2000, ABS head of retail statistics Ben Dorber said. “Strong rises in sales volumes were also seen in clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing, up 3.9% and department stores, up 3%.”

However, household goods retailing slumped 1.8%, following a 1% dip in March.

“Cost of living pressures and increasing interest rates appear to be weighing more on sales volumes for household goods retailing, the industry where most high-priced discretionary items are sold,” Dorber said.

Queensland had the largest rise, up 2.4%, followed by Tasmania (2%), Western Australia (1.3%), South Australia (1.3%), Victoria (1.2%) and New South Wales (1.1%). The Australian Capital Territory was unchanged, while the Northern Territory recorded its third consecutive fall (0.2%).