The city and North Adelaide achieved record-breaking consumer expenditure in March, with spending increasing five per cent compared to the same period last year.
New Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) data shows more than $371 million was spent in March 2025, up from $353 million in March 2024.
The biggest increase was in entertainment, up 188 per cent on the same time last year, which includes subcategories concerts and shows, gaming arcades and sporting events.
In short:
- Adelaide experienced a record-breaking consumer spend in March.
- The 2025 Adelaide Fringe generated $13 million, a four per cent increase compared to Adelaide Fringe 2024.
- Get more insights about the future of Adelaide's economy at the annual AEDA Business Summit.
AEDA Chair Steve Maras says the city is continuing to foster a thriving cultural and retail scene, contributing to overall economic growth.
“The impressive growth in consumer expenditure reflects the strength of the city economy and the resilience of our business community,” Mr Maras says.
“It highlights Adelaide’s powerful appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors alike, particularly in the wake of the highly successful Adelaide Fringe and Gather Round.”
Spending during work hours was six per cent higher than usual, while the nighttime economy also performed strongly with a five per cent rise in expenditure.
Other top spending categories include transport (up 24 per cent on March 2024) and healthcare (up 12 per cent on March 2024). Clothing, shoes and luxury goods were the top performers in retail spending.
Numbers also reveal an extra $13 million was spent in the city during the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, marking a four per cent increase compared to Adelaide Fringe 2024.
The final weekend of the Adelaide Fringe (22-23 April) had the highest spend at more than $42.5 million, which is 16 per cent higher than the average weekend.
It comes as Rundle Mall recorded its highest foot traffic weekend ever, with the inaugural Colours of Asia Festival, held between Friday 21 – Sunday 23 March 2025, attracting 681,478 visitors.
It is 47 per cent higher than the Mall’s 12-month weekend foot traffic average, and an increase on the previous record of 608,532 visitors set between Friday 20 – Sunday 22 December 2024.
AEDA Executive Manager, Rundle Mall Andrew White says the Colours of Asia Festival brought the tastes, sounds and sights of Asia’s hawker markets to the Mall.
"Hundreds of thousands of shoppers, visitors, students, city workers and Fringe-goers enjoyed the market atmosphere and some incredible Asian delights while they were in the city,” Mr White says.
“During Colours of Asia, Rundle Mall was as busy at 10pm as it was 10am, which shows the strength of the Mall’s night-time economy and South Australians’ appetite for events and acts.”
The record-breaking foot traffic also led to strong results for the Mall’s retailers, with many reporting an increase in sales.
Peter Shearer Menswear Managing Director Dharmesh Raman says the event increased foot traffic to the store by about 38 per cent.
“We wholeheartedly support any initiatives that AEDA implements to bring more people into the Mall,” he says.
To gain further insight into the economic future of Adelaide, buy tickets to the AEDA Business Summit to hear from local business leaders, innovators and experts who are shaping growth and opportunities ahead.
Learn more about the AEDA Business Summit.
Get more information on AEDA Data and Insights.