Retail Trade

In Australia, retail business accounts for almost 4% of the GDP and 10% of national employment. There are almost 140 000 retail businesses in Australia with great diversity regarding size, region, and retail format, competition within sectors and in the nature of goods sold. Supermarkets and grocery stores primarily sell a range of groceries, fruits and vegetables, breads, toiletries, dairy goods and delicatessen. Similarly, convenience store or corner stores are involved in selling cigarettes, beverages, snack foods, ready to eat foods, magazines, newspapers and general merchandise. Department stores, on a large scale, do business through fabrics, soft goods, glassware, housewares, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, furniture and household appliances. However, this business is facing some competition after the emergence of online shops, which also sell almost everything at a cheaper price and have access 24/7. Another type of retailer would be the one who is involved in fabric, curtains and household textiles and also one who is dealing with various apparels and accessories in a small measure.

Sales growth anticipation in this industry can be assured on the next half-decade. Gradual improvements of economy have supplemented revenue growth in this sector. The commission estimates that online retailing represents 6 percent of total Australian retail sales made up of 4 per cent domestic online ($8.4 billion) and 2 per cent from overseas ($4.2 billion). High volume of trading with China and other Asian countries will result in prosperity of Australian economy.