Some Background on this Report
Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 August 2016 was $3.4 billion. This represents a decrease of 2.1% compared to the previous month and an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period last year. The only categories which saw an increase in spend compared to the previous month were Supermarkets/Food Retailers (+1.4%) and Health Goods & Services (+0.9%). The greatest decreases in spend compared to the previous month were in Recreation & Entertainment (-13.0%), Department Stores (-9.7%) and Books & Stationery Stores (-9.6%). The greatest increases in spend when compared to the same period last year were in Café/Restaurants/Bars (+8.7%), Home & Building Supplies (+8.7%) and Recreation & Entertainment (+7.5%). Fuel/Service Stations (-7.0%) was the only category to see a year on year decrease in spend this month.
