Retail spending lifts 0.2pct as living costs bite

Retail sales rose modestly in February and appear to have levelled out since November last year. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Retail spending has stayed flat over the month as rising interest rates and sky-high living costs weigh on shopping habits.

Official retail sales rose a modest 0.2 per cent in February, down from a 1.8 per cent lift in January.