Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 March 2016 was $3.5 billion. This represents an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period last year, and an increase of 0.2% when compared to the previous month. Categories with the greatest increases when compared to the previous month were Clothing & Footwear (+7.4%) and Department Stores (+4.4%). The greatest month on month decreases were in Books & Stationery Stores (-6.2%) and Travel & Accommodation (-4.8%) categories. After a strong month in February, Health Goods & Services (-0.7%) and Liquor Stores (-2.2%) saw a decrease in month on month spend. Categories with the greatest increase in spend when compared to the same period last year were Home & Building Supplies (+15.8%), Liquor Stores (+9.0%) and Café/Restaurants/Bars (+7.7%). Despite a decrease when compared to the previous month, Travel & Accommodation (+6.6%) again saw a year on year increase in spend. Those categories that saw the greatest decreases in spend when compared to the same period last year were Books & Stationery Stores (-10.1%), Fuel/Service Stations (-3.3%) and Recreation & Entertainment (-2.7%).
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