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.
“This year was the warmest August on record since 1910, which saw more spending on items typically purchased in spring,” he said.
“This included summer clothing, liquor, outdoor dining, hardware, gardening items, camping goods and outdoor equipment.