Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 March 2014 was $2,563.6 million. This represents a decrease of 0.5% from the previous 28 days but an increase of 0.3% from the 28 days ending 28 March 2013. Compared to March 2013 spending in March 2014 was up in six of the twelve retail categories observed, and fell in seven of the twelve categories against February 2014. This year on year downward spending trend may potentially be due to the Easter effect as the holiday fell in March in 2013 but April this year. It was a positive month for the Cafes/Restaurants/Bars category with spending up in every region except Gisborne, and an overall category spending increase of 7.3% compared to March 2013. Our biggest metropolitan centres of Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington recorded spending increases of 8.2%, 8.1% and 7.6% respectively, while significant spending growth was also seen in the Taranaki (10%) and Waikato (7.8%) regions. Liquor Stores spending fell significantly in March however; spending in the category dropped by 7% compared to March 2013 and by 4.2% compared to the February 2014. Regionally the category saw spending decreases across the board, with five regions recording a drop of more than 10% year on year. The North Island was slightly harder hit overall, with a drop of -7.8%, compared to -4.7% in the South Island. Spending in the Clothing & Footwear category was generally positive in March 2014, increasing by 2% year on year, and by 11.5% compared to the prior month. Overall, category spending in metropolitan areas increased by a modest 0.9% while a larger increase of 3.8% was seen in non-metropolitan areas, thanks in part to significant spending increases in the Northland (9.6%), Taranaki (14.5%) and Waikato (6.5%) regions. Furniture/Appliances/Electronics spending fell in all but four regions in March, dropping by -4.3% in the North Island, and -3.9% in the South Island overall. Spending fell in all three main metropolitan areas, with Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington recording spending decreases of -6.6%, -2.2% and 2.1% respectively, while elsewhere Otago (-12%) and Hawke’s Bay (-8.7%) were particularly affected. March saw solid spending growth for Auckland in many categories, with the region recording larger spending increases in the Café/Restaurants/Bars, Recreation & Entertainment, Travel & Accommodation, and Health Goods & Services categories compared to national spending. Total retail spend in Auckland was up 0.7% compared to March 2013, although it dropped -0.3% compared to February 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, and is supplied thanks to Datamine. 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
