Retail sales fell during April, despite economists' predictions of a 0.2% rise, according to the latest figures available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The figures show the trend estimate for retail sales in April grew by 0.3%, but the seasonally adjusted measure fell by 0.2% to $21.2 billion.

This follows a rise of 1.1% in March and 0.2% in February.

The food retailing industry rose by 0.4%, while cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services also rose by 1%, followed by other retailing up 0.5%, and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing up 0.3%. Department stores also rose 0.3%.

Household goods retailing fell 0.4%.

The Australian Capital Territory recorded the highest rise at 0.8% , while Victoria remained flat.

This article first appeared on SmartCompany.