Internet sales rise February but growth is slowing, according to NAB
Australia’s Internet retail sales grew 19% in February – the weakest growth rate since May last year – according to the latest NAB Online Retail Sales Index.
February web sales fell almost 10% compared to January, where a massive increase of almost 30% was recorded.
NAB Online Retail Sales Index measured 193 points in February – down from 202 points in January.
There were declines in online sales across all categories, particularly in the ‘online auctions sites like eBay, department stores like Myer, fashion, cosmetics.
For the twelve months to February 2013, Aussies spent $13.1 billion online, and now accounts for almost 6% of all sales.
This slump was also in contrast to recent trends, where the month of February has been broadly in line with the level recorded in January.
However, the rate of growth for online sales remains well in excess of that of the traditional retail sector, Nab said today.
In January, traditional sales increased by 4.2% compared to same time 2012, but when seasonal factors are included, this rate was softer, at 2.9%.
NAB did not say if it thinks the lower growth in online retail will continue into 2013.
