Predictions of an election-led recovery in the consumer sector have failed to materialise, according to two of Australia's biggest retail names.

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder said the election period proved ''marginally negative'' for its retail businesses - which include Coles, Bunnings and Target - while Pacific Brands told investors that reports of a post-election rise in consumer confidence are not translating into sales for the owner of brands such as Bonds.

Source: Wesfarmers.

''I think it's going to take some time,'' said Pacific Brands chief executive John Pollaers. ''I'm hopeful, but I don't think you at this stage can count on it.''

Mr Goyder said sales ''got a bit softer'' in the weeks leading up to the election, got a boost the week after the election ''and then, it's pretty quickly going back to where it was prior to that''.