Australian retail turnover rose 0.4 per cent in May 2018, seasonally adjusted, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Retail Trade figures.

This follows a 0.5 per cent rise in April 2018.

"Department stores (3.9 per cent) led the rises," said Ben James, Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Surveys. "There was also a strong result in clothing, footwear and personal accessories, which rose 2.2 per cent. Both industries were able to rebound after unusually warm weather impacted April sales."

There were also rises in food (0.3 per cent) and household goods (0.1 per cent). Cafes, restaurants and takeaways led the falls (-1.0 per cent), whilst other retailing also fell (-0.1 per cent).