The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.7% in February following a rise of 0.5% in January 2015, seasonally adjusted. Earlier this year we said retail spending would start to increase as the effects of rate cuts, global quantitative easing and low oil prices flow through to consumers. Despite growth in overall retail spending, some areas still remain tough, in particular department stores are continuing to struggle to find their place in the current market. Retailers exposed to housing related products such as furniture and electronics are seeing good signs of growth and we expect this trend will continue.