RETAIL SALES OF COMMODITIES

During 2005-06 the combined retail and wholesale industries generated total retail sales of $240.3b, with cost of goods sold of $178.6b, and a margin on sales of 25.7%.

Food (including Meat and dairy products and Other food products) was the largest contributor generating 20.1% ($48.4b) of total retail sales. Transport equipment (including new car sales) contributed 14.9% ($35.8b), while Petroleum, gas and coal accounted for 11.5% ($27.7b) of total retail sales. Clothing and footwear contributed 8.5% ($20.4b).

The categories generating the highest margins on retail sales of goods were in Clothing and footwear with 47.1% and Textiles and textile products (43.1%). In contrast, the low margin categories were Petroleum, gas and coal with 6.2% on the sales of goods, while Transport equipment (including new motor vehicles) recorded margins of 10.3%.