That might not yet be obvious from big gaps in toilet paper shelves in some supermarkets, but ANZ research and the recent experience of supermarket giant Woolworths suggest the coronavirus-inspired toilet paper rush peaked some days ago.

"While product availability is getting better and better each day, we still have more work to do after weeks of unprecedented demand," a Woolworths spokesperson said on Thursday.

"Pleasingly, demand moderated over the weekend and customers are respecting the limits we've put in place.

"Our teams and suppliers continue to work round the clock to replenish stock levels across our stores.

"We thank our customers for their continued patience and support during this challenging time."

ANZ economists Adelaide Timbrell and David Plank suggested stockpiling had peaked.

"Stockpiling on groceries, toiletries and pharmacy products seems to have peaked in the week ending March 20, with all categories having grown 80 per cent year on year," they said in new analysis of national retail trends.

"Since then, a slowing of year on year growth in groceries and toiletries suggests the average household is either stocked up already or becoming less concerned about supply chain issues for the essentials.

"While grocery sales are still very elevated, it seems households are adjusting to the new normal of social distancing as the Australian government continues to tighten restrictions to combat the COVID-19 crisis."

Sales of electrical and electronic goods were yet to slow after a surge the economists suggested could be related to people buying equipment for working from home and increasing their food storage capacity.

They said electrical retailing sales were up by 59 per cent year on year in the week ending on March 26.

The retail sectors most affected by social distancing had big declines in sales, they found.

They said ANZ-observed spending on dining out and clothing both fell by 38 per cent year on year in the week ending on March 26.

Spending on footwear and accessories was 28 per cent weaker.

Spending in those sectors had been weakening on a year on year basis since the week ending on March 15,

Spending on takeaway services fell by 14 per cent.

The economists said that money looked to have shifted to spending on recreational goods, which was up by 26 per cent year on year in the week ending on March 26.

Spending on news and books was up by 7 per cent.

"Some householders apparently also see social distancing rules as an opportunity for home improvement,with ANZ-observed spend on hardware, building and garden supplies rising 29 per cent year on year for the week ended March 26," they wrote.

"The relatively recent increase in this category may reflect growing concerns households may soon be locked down with no ability to purchase goods for DIY projects around the house."