Australian retail sales jumped 0.5% in May, exceeding analysts' expectations.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show most sectors strengthened in the month, with sales at cafes, restaurants and takeaway outlets and those of household goods boosting the overall result.
Turnover at department stores, and sales of fashion and accessories also grew, while food retailing was the only industry to shrink in the month, the ABC reports.
The bureau says Western Australia remains the strongest performing state in the longer term.
