Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 November 2013 was $2,616.7 million. This represents an increase of 3.2% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 2.9% from the 28 days ending 28 November 2012.
Compared to November 2012, spending in November 2013 was up in ten of the twelve retail categories observed; spending was also up against October 2013 in nine of the twelve categories. Books & Stationery spending suffered its seventh consecutive month of year on year decreases, falling by over 7%. Spending decreased in every region with the Hawke’s Bay and Northland regions continuing to take to biggest hit. The regions decreased by over 22% which followed on from three consecutive months of over 24% decreases. However it wasn’t all bad news as the category did increase 12.4% compared to the prior month. The year of DIY is back with Home & Building Supplies up around 8%. Year on year spending in this category has been up every month in 2013 with the exception of September. Despite largely positive growth across the regions, some Southern regions experienced significant decreases. Hardware spending in Nelson fell 10% while Southland and Marlborough also decreased (7.5% and 3.2% respectively). However big increases in Canterbury (15%), Otago (5.6%) and West Coast (13.6%) kept the South Island category increase of 8.2% above the Northerners (7.8%). Recreation & Entertainment spending could not follow up last month’s year on year increase of 8.5% instead decreasing 5%. South Islanders outspent their North Island counterparts in this category (up 0.2% versus a 6.6% decrease in the North). Supermarket spending was up in every region while Café/Restaurant/Bar spending was up in every region excluding Northland. This led to year on year national increases of 3.6% and 4.8% respectively. Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Wellington had the largest increases in Supermarket spending (all over 4.5%) while Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay and Tasman boosted Café/Restaurant/Bar sales all increasing over 6%. November was an interesting month for spending in Taranaki. The region experienced huge year on year increases in some retail categories and large decreases in others. While most regions experienced decreases in the Recreation & Entertainment category spending in Taranaki increased 31%. Spending also increased 31% in Travel & Accommodation not to mention 56% in Furniture/Appliances/Homewares. Even Taranaki couldn’t escape a decrease in Books & Stationery spending (10%) along with decreases in Health Goods & Services (9%) and Liquor Stores (8%). 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:
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