Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 May 2016 was $3.4 billion. This represents an increase of 1.8% compared to the same period last year, and a decrease of 3.5% when compared to the previous month. The only categories which saw an increase in spend compared to the previous month were Health Goods & Services (+1.5%) and Books & Stationery Stores (+1.1%). The greatest month on month decreases were seen in Recreation & Entertainment (-13.0%), Home & Building Supplies (-6.5%) and Clothing and Footwear (-6.0%). Increases in spend compared to the same period last year were led by Liquor stores (+8.0%), Café/Restaurants/Bars (+7.4%) and Home & Building Supplies (+6.9%). Fuel/Service Stations saw the greatest year on year decrease, down 6.8% this month. Other categories to see year on year decreases in spend were Books & Stationery Stores (-3.7%) and Travel & Accommodation (-3.2%).
