why the drop today, page-12

Of note:

Retail sales fall 2.0 per cent in February, adjusted
11:37, Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Sydney - Wednesday - April 1: (RWE Aust Business News) - The
seasonally adjusted estimate of retail sales decreased by 2.0 per cent in
February, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.
This follows a revised increase of 0.5pc in January and an
increase of 3.8pc in December.
In original terms, Australian turnover decreased by 12.9pc in
February compared with January.
Chains and other large retailers (which are completely
enumerated) decreased by 16.3pc, while the estimate for smaller retailers
decreased by 6.6pc.
Australian turnover increased by 0.5pc in February 2009 compared
with February 2008.
Chains and other large retailers increased by 3.2pc, while the
estimate for smaller retailers decreased by 3.5pc.
In seasonally adjusted terms, all industries had a decrease in
February.
Food retailing (0.4pc), Department stores (9.8pc), Clothing and
soft good retailing (2.7pc), Household goods retailing (3.8pc), Other
retailing (0.3pc) and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services
(1.3pc).
In seasonally adjusted terms, all states other than Tasmania
(1.3pc) had a decrease in February 2009.
New South Wales (2.4pc), Victoria (1.3pc), Queensland (2.2pc),
South Australia (2.4pc), Western Australia (2.7pc), Northern Territory
(0.1pc) and the Australian Capital Territory (0.5pc).