Retail spending falls 1.1% in February

Australia's retail turnover fell 1.1 per cent in February as COVID-19 restrictions hit hard in Victoria and Western Australia

Australian Bureau of Statistics preliminary figures released on Friday showed turnover was up 8.7 per cent when compared to February 2020.

"Restrictions due to COVID-19 in Victoria, and parts of Western Australia, drove the February fall," the ABS's Ben James said on Friday.

Victoria fell four per cent and Western Australia fell six per cent, as trade was restricted for five days in each state.

The falls were partially offset by rises in NSW and Queensland.

"Both these states had seen trade impacted by COVID-19 in January, and in February saw rises in industries such as clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing and department stores," Mr James said