Sales figures for October offer positive signs to businesses

Rising sales figures in October have offered good news for businesses with Australian consumers laying their frugality aside.

The 0.4% rise on the Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator has come after rises in August and September, which suggests that consumers have begun Christmas spending early and cautiously.

The CommBank Indicator measures the value of credit card and debit card transactions processed through Commonwealth Bank facilities - about 30% of the retail market.

Certainly, the trend purports a shift in consumer spending, spelling good news for retailers who have continually struggled in the wake of growing consumer awareness and the reduced reliance on credit.

Russell Zimmerman, Chief Executive of the Australian Retailers Association, reported optimism laced with caution:

"I don't want to get too excited but I think it's definitely positive. I think, very slowly, people are starting to get a little more confident. The consumer is getting a little less stressed. We know that parts of the economy are still doing it tough and we'd like to see a lift for all of our retailers.''

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Joe Letts.