Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 April 2014 was $2,525.6 million. This represents a decrease of 1.5% from the previous 28 days but an increase of 0.7% from the 28 days ending 28 April 2013. Compared to April 2013, spending in April 2014 was up in seven of the twelve retail categories observed, however it fell in nine of the twelve categories against March 2014. The month saw generally positive growth in Department Stores, with category spending up 2.1% compared to April 2013 and up 11.7% against March 2014. Spending was the same or higher in every region except Marlborough, while the larger metropolitan areas of Canterbury and Wellington saw increases of 2% and 3.1% respectively, with Auckland lagging behind at no spending change. The Cafes/Restaurants/Bars category recorded a second consecutive month of solid growth in every region except Gisborne, and an overall category spending increase of 5.8% compared to April 2013. Spending growth was slightly higher in the North Island (6.1%) compared to the South Island (5%), thanks to solid increases in Northland (9.5%), Manawatu-Wanganui (7.5%), and the Bay of Plenty (6.3%) regions. It was something of a mixed month for the Home & Building Supplies category, with spending dropping by -1.8% compared to last month, but increasing 3.5% compared to April 2013. On a regional level, Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington all saw modest spending increases of 4.7%, 3.3% and 5.3% respectively, however spending fell in several other areas including Waikato (-4.9%) and Nelson (-5.4%). Books & Stationery Stores spending has continued to fall, dropping -10.4% compared to March 2014, and by -3.6% compared to April 2013. Once again the hardest hit region is Northland, which recorded a -25.2% drop in spending in March. Overall, category spending has fallen more in metropolitan areas (-5.1%) than non-metropolitan areas (-1.4%), with Auckland (-4.8%), Canterbury (-2.4%) and Wellington (-8.5%) all seeing continuing spending decreases. April was generally a positive month for spending in Wellington with the region outperforming Auckland and Canterbury in many retail categories including Supermarkets/Food Retailers, Department Stores, Fuel Service Stations, and Home & Building Supplies. Spending fell in the Travel & Accommodation, Clothing & Footwear and Furniture/Appliances/Electronics categories however, and Wellington was hardest hit among metropolitan areas when it came to spending decreases in Books & Stationery, falling by -8.5%. Wellington’s overall retail spend in April was generally steady, falling slightly (-1.6%) against March, but up 0.6% compared to April 2013. Retailwatch can be used to monitor trends in specific categories that are relevant to you while also building a broader picture of the overall retail environment. The team at Datamine can also help you explore further the impacts of retail industry trends on your business. If you have any questions or would like further information that would help support your business decision making needs, please don’t hesitate to call us. P: 09 476 0830 F: 09 476 0839 E: getpumpt@pumpt.co.nz W: www.pumpt.co.nz