Wednesday 21 July 2021 Lockdowns in Victoria and Greater Sydney have contributed to a 1.8% fall in retail sales in June compared to the previous month, according to preliminary figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said month on month sales in Victoria fell 3.5% and dropped 2% in NSW, given the Covid restrictions that were imposed in Australia’s two largest states. However, despite the lockdown impacts through the year sales remain positive, up 2.9% compared to June 2020. “Today’s figures for June come as no surprise with Victoria battling its fourth lockdown earlier in the month and Greater Sydney subject to stay-at-home orders a couple of weeks later,” Mr Zahra said.