Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 September 2013 was $2,402.1 million. This represents an increase of 1.8% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 1.9% from the 28 days ending 28 September 2012. Compared to September 2012, spending in September 2013 was up in seven of the twelve retail categories observed, this figure increased when compared to August 2013 with spending up in nine of the twelve categories. Recreation & Entertainment spending was booming in September, with increases in every region leading to a national increase of 13% against same month last year. North Islanders out spent their South Island counterparts (up 15% versus 9% in the South). Nelson was in a league of its own increasing 40% against same month last year. Only Tasman (31%), Northland (23%) and Auckland (20%) increased anywhere near as much as Nelson. Furniture/Appliances/Electronics spending continues to fluctuate across the regions with many experiencing big gains and losses against September 2012. Spending in Non-Metropolitan areas decreased 3% while Metropolitan areas had a marginal increase (0.3%). Tasman and Gisborne were the standouts with increases of 14% and 10% respectively, while Southland and the West Coast decreased by 15% and 24% respectively. Books & Stationery spending suffered its fifth consecutive month of year on year decreases, dropping 4%. Following on from last month’s large decreases of 35% and 29% in Hawke’s Bay and Northland respectively, the regions suffered big decreases again with both regions decreasing by over 24%. Gisborne bounced back from last month’s decrease of 10% with an increase of 13% which, along with Marlborough’s increase of 8.8% helped to offset the major decreases. Clothing & Footwear spending had been tracking along quite steadily with small increases year on year. The decrease of 1.4% in August could be the beginning of a trend as the category dropped 4% this month. Taranaki was the only region to increase (up 4.2%) but this did little to offset decreases of over 6% in Northland, Southland and West Coast. South Islanders and Non-Metro shoppers decreased more than North Islanders and Metro shoppers. The rise of DIY has hit a road block this month with Home and Building supplies spending decreasing 3%. Spending against same month last year decreased in all but five regions, a big change from previous months. The South Island fell 2% last month thanks in part to a 22% decrease in Southland which couldn’t be offset by increases in Marlborough (9%), Otago (1%) and West Coast (1%). Spending dropped 3% in the North with large decreases in Taranaki (10%), Gisborne (9%) and Hawke’s Bay (8%). Nelson had the best month spend wise with increases of over 7% in the Travel & Accommodation, Café/Restaurant/Bar, Recreation & Entertainment, and Liquor Store categories. It wasn’t all good news, Clothing & Footwear, Furniture/Appliances/Electronics, Department Stores and Home & Building Supplies spending decreased but all other categories experienced increases (0-6%). Gisborne stood out in the declining Books & Stationery and Furniture/Appliances/Electronics categories with 13% and 10% increases. On the other side, Northland stood out in the increasing Café/Restaurant/Bar and Health Goods and Services categories decreasing by over 5%. 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