Online sales fell 0.1 per cent in May 2015

• At -0.1% the latest seasonally adjusted nab online retail sales index shows sales growth was virtually flat in May, a significant slowdown on the 1.6% growth recorded in April. At 0.5%, the trend estimate for online retail sales was unchanged on the previous month. We estimate that online sales are now 9.0% higher compared to a year ago.

• ABS data showed growth of comparable traditional retailers (ex. Cafes and Restaurants) in April to be -0.2% (mom, s.a) lower than March, and 3.7% higher than a year ago.

• In dollar terms, we estimate Australians spent $17.1 billion on online retail in the 12 months to May 2015. This level is equivalent to 7% of spending at traditional bricks and mortar retailers as measured by the ABS (excluding cafes, restaurants and takeaway food, to create a like-for-like comparison ) in the 12 months to April 2015.

• All categories except Daily Deals (-26.2% yoy) and Personal and Recreational good (-0.6 yoy) recorded growth in May. Electronic Games and Toys (20.8%) experienced a significant growth through this segment is a relatively small share of spend and its growth rate is typically more volatile than other categories. Media and Homeware & appliances have maintained doubt digit growth, albeit at more moderate single digit rates.

For further analysis download the full report.

• NAB Online Retail Sales Index: Monthly update – May 2015 (PDF 808KB)