Friday, September 13, 2013
Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 August 2013 was $2,367.3 million. This represents a decrease of 3.6% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 2.4% from the 28 days ending 28 August 2012.
Compared to August 2012, spending in August 2013 was up in nine of the twelve retail categories observed but this figure reversed when compared to July 2013 with spending down in nine of the twelve categories. Clothing & Footwear spending has been tracking along quite steadily with small increases over the last few months. This month spending decreased in all but two regions (Taranaki and Tasman) for a national decrease of 1.4%. South Islanders and Non-Metro shoppers decreased more than North Islanders and Metro shoppers. Furniture/Appliances/Electronics spending fluctuated across the regions with many experiencing big gains and losses. Spending in the South Island was mainly positive with an overall increase of 3.2%. Marlborough was the standout increasing 19% while only Otago decreased 0.6%. Spending decreased 2% in the North with the biggest decreases in Hawke’s Bay (11%), Waikato (6%) and Manawatu-Wanganui (5%). Books & Stationery spending suffered its fourth consecutive month of decreases, dropping 6%. Nelson was the only region to increase (4%) but this did little to offset large decreases in Hawke’s Bay 35%, Northland 29% and Gisborne 10%. Despite a 13% decrease against July 2013, Recreation & Entertainment spending versus same month last year was up over 10%. The West Coast and Northland were the only regions to experience decreases, 19% and 6% respectively. Metropolitan shoppers were outspending their Non-Metro counterparts increasing 15% compared to 7%. It’s the on-going rise of DIY in 2013 with Home & Building Supplies spending up 10%. This continues the pattern of spend this year outdoing spend last year each month (July 9%, June 9%, May 12%). Spending was up in all but two regions with the North Islanders overtaking their southern counterparts, increases of 12% and 7% respectively. This was thanks in part to large increases in Gisborne (36%) and Northland (21%). Of our largest centres, Canterbury had the best month spend wise. Spending increased by over 10% in the Home & Building Supplies and Recreation & Entertainment categories. It wasn’t all good news, Clothing & Footwear, Department Stores and Books & Stationery spending decreased by over 2% but all other categories experienced significant increases (2-7%). Marlborough stood out in the declining Liquor and Furniture/Appliances/Electronics categories with 13% and 19% increases. On the other side, Northland stood out in the increasing Café/Restaurant/Bar and Recreation & Entertainment categories decreasing by over 6%. 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. 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
