Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 June 2013 was $2,437.3 million. This represents a decrease of 0.5% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 3.2% from the 28 days ending 28 June 2012. Compared to June 2012, spending in June 2013 was up in 10 out of the 12 retail categories observed.
2013 is the year for DIY. Home & Building Supplies spending was up 9.1% on the same month last year. This seems to be a pattern with spend this year outdoing spend last year each month (May 12%, April 3%, March 18.4%). Spending was up in all but three regions with the South Islanders getting into DIY more than their northern counterparts, increases of 12.8% and 8.1% respectively. Nelson, Tasman, Waikato, and Canterbury increased by over 15% while Southland, Taranaki, and Gisborne decreased. Similarly spending in the Cafés/Restaurants/Bars category is surpassing last year each month. This month total spend was up 5.2% adding to increases in May (10.2$), April (4.2%), and March (6.3%). Spending was up in all but four regions with metropolitan areas spending more than non-metro, increases of 6.7% and 2.7% respectively. Auckland, Canterbury and Bay of Plenty increased by over 6% while Tasman was up 9%. On the other hand Books & Stationery spending continues to decrease each month versus same month last year. June’s decrease of 4.6% adds to decreases in March (2%) and May (0.5%). April showed a slight increase of 0.1%. Spending decreased in all but three regions – Southland, Nelson, and Marlborough. These increases led the South Island (2.6%) to experience less of a decrease than the North Island (5.3%). Travel & Accommodation spending decreased 1% compared to the same month last year. The decrease could have been much higher considering ten out of the sixteen regions observed decreased. Hawke’s Bay suffered the biggest decrease (11.6%) while Bay of Plenty increased 10.3%. Furniture/Appliances spending fluctuated across the regions with big highs and lows. Overall the category increased 4.4% – a mild result given increases and decreases of over 20%. Marlborough, Northland, and Otago had the biggest increases at 24.2%, 19.6%, and 14.6% respectively. On the other side, Gisborne, West Coast, and Nelson suffered significant decreases at 20.2%, 21.6%, and 18.1% respectively. Things were looking good in our largest region. Spending was up across the board with the exception of Books & Stationery spending, down 1%. Auckland’s biggest increases were in the Recreation & Entertainment (9%), Furniture & Appliances (9.3%), and Department Stores (7.6%) categories. 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.
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