Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 May 2013 was $2,435.4 million. This represents a decrease of 2.2% from the previous 28 days and an increase of 5.6% from the 28 days ending 28 May 2012. Compared to May 2012, spending in May 2013 was up in 10 out of the 12 retail categories observed.
It was all about food last month, Café/Restaurant/Bar spending was up across the board with increases of over 10% in Auckland, Canterbury, Taranaki, Tasman and Wellington. Supermarket spending was also up across the board with an increase of 8.0% in Marlborough and Wellington. The South Island had a particularly strong showing in the Furniture/Appliances/Homewares category up 16.5% compared to the North Island’s increase of 9.8%. The large increases in Canterbury (19.7%), Marlborough (15.4%), Otago (18.6%) and Tasman (13.4%), more than made up for the 3.9% decrease in the West Coast. Compared to May 2012, Home and Building Supplies category spend increased 12.0% last month. The smaller regions had the largest increases; West Coast, Tasman, Marlborough and Manawatu-Wanganui all increased over 20.0%. The larger regions were also driving the increase; Auckland (14.4%), Canterbury (18.9%), Waikato (17.6%) and Wellington (12.7%). On the other hand, Fuel & Service Station spending took a hit in all but two regions leading to a national decrease of 4.3%. Canterbury and West Coast increased 1.0% and 5.0% respectively while Gisborne fell 16.2%. 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.
P: 09 476 0830
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E:getpumpt@pumpt.co.nzW: www.pumpt.co.nz
