SYDNEY, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Australian retail sales fell 4.2% in December from the month before, preliminary data showed on Friday, after solid growth the previous month as consumers brought forward their Christmas shopping.
Falls were recorded in five of the six retail categories, led by household goods, department stores and clothing, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported.
Annual turnover was up 9.4%.
The ABS will release its final estimate on Feb 5.