The cost-of-living crisis is seeing retailers have near-constant sales, and experts say it's a warning sign for the economy

'Subdued sales' or 'retail recession'?

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday showed that retail sales have continued to flatline since the start of the year.

After declining by 0.4 per cent in March, retail trade figures showed spending rose by just 0.1 per cent in April — a sign that people are holding off on making non-essential purchases as cost of living pressures continue to squeeze households.

Collectively, Australians spent $19.5 million less on clothing, footwear and personal accessories in April. Compared to March, spending in this category declined by 0.7 per cent.

Spending on household goods increased by $37.7 million, or 0.7 per cent in April, and retail spending across the country is 1.3 per cent higher than it was a year ago, albeit driven by a population that's around 2.5 per cent larger.