Canberra may be out of lockdown, but the latest retail figures have uncovered the economic scarring caused by the Bush Capital's second lockdown.
Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed ACT retail turnover in September slumped 12 per cent compared to the prior month.
The ACT's result was in stark contrast to the national average which rose 1.3 per cent compared to August, spurred on by larger consumption levels in Queensland.
Statisticians at the ABS flagged ACT only two months prior had achieved its biggest surge in retail turnover, with the fall from the peak sitting at a 29.5 per cent tumble.
ABS director Ben James said on a national it was the first monthly rise since the Delta outbreak took hold in Australia.
"Retail turnover continues to vary by state, based on whether restrictions were imposed, removed or extended," he said.
"NSW also experienced a rise of 2.3 per cent despite having lockdowns, as some restrictions were eased or lifted. However, turnover for NSW remains 11.9 per cent lower than May 2021, the month before the most recent lockdown began."
Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing and spending on restaurants and takeaway food services were the two best performers. Both categories rose 5.9 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
Household goods jumped 4.3 per cent over the month, while department store spending fell 0.3 per cent.
Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra said the reopening from lockdowns in the south-east of the country would prompt a spending sugar hit.
"We're seeing a lot of pent-up demand in those locations with people getting back out and about, enjoying their freedoms," he said.
"Retailers have got their sights firmly set on Christmas, which is a time when many discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their profits."
