Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 February 2014 was $2,543 million. This represents an increase of 3.4% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 2.5% from the 28 days ending 28 February 2013. Compared to February 2013 spending in February 2014 was up in seven of the twelve retail categories observed, and up in eight of the twelve categories against January 2014.
Books & Stationery spending dropped once again for a tenth consecutive month of year on year decreases, falling by 4% compared to February 2013. Spending in the category fell in most regions, with an overall drop of -2.9% in the North Island and -7.1% in the South Island. Once again Northland (-28.6%) was the hardest hit region. It was a positive month for Department Store spending on the other hand with category spending up across the board. Our biggest metropolitan centres of Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington recorded spending increases of 6.7%, 2.2% and 14.2% respectively, while significant spending growth was also seen in the Waikato and Nelson regions. Recreation & Entertainment spending was variable in February. Although the category increased 3.3% overall compared to February 2013, this upturn was generally only seen in metropolitan areas which increased by 6.4%, while non-metropolitan areas dropped by -1.8%. Spending in the Cafes/Restaurants/Bars category was generally positive in February 2014, increasing in all but one region for a national increase of 6.6%. Overall, category spending in metropolitan areas increased by 7.2% and non-metropolitan areas followed closely behind with an increase of 5.5%. Of the metropolitan areas Canterbury and Auckland were the biggest spenders with respective 8% and 7.3% growth, while the non-metropolitan Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu-Wanganui saw increases of 6.9% and 6.5%. February was an interesting month for spending down in Canterbury, with good year on year spending growth in some retail categories but falling spending in others. The region experienced the largest increase in Cafes/Restaurants/Bars across the board and also recorded solid spending increases in the Home & Building Supplies (8.2%) and Health Goods & Services (5.4%) categories. On the other hand spending on Books & Stationery (-9.5%) and Travel & Accommodation (-3.4%) dropped last month. Overall, total retail spend in Canterbury increased by 2.2% compared to February 2013, and by 4.2% compared to January 2014. 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
