Sales drop triggers share plunge at retail bellwether

There are worries about clouds gathering over Australia's retail sector after JB Hi-Fi's update. (Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS)

A leading electronics and homewares retailer has suffered its worst day on the stock market after its sales dropped at the start of a new financial year.

JB Hi-Fi shares on Monday plunged 12.3 per cent to $71.65, exceeding a 10.8 per cent fall on March 23, 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.