Retail sales grew just 0.2 per cent in December as consumers held back from the big hoped-for Christmas splurge, pocketing windfall savings from cheaper petrol rather than splashing out.

Seasonally-adjusted growth was below expectations at 0.3 per cent, but better than the parlous 0.1 per cent rise registered in November.

Stores started Christmas sales early as consumers held back from spending even in the busiest period of the year. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The largest contributor to the rise was the clothing, footwear and accessories category, which climbed 2.7 per cent month-on-month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,

Groceries, other foodstuffs and alcohol was the only other category to post an improvement, rising 0.3 per cent. Turnover in household goods was 0.4 per cent weaker and spending in cafes, restaurants and on takeaway food was flat.