7 August 2002
Quarterly Retail Sales Growth Continues
Seasonally adjusted total retail sales increased 2.3 percent in the June 2002 quarter compared with the March 2002
quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. This was due to a monthly decrease of 1.5 percent in May 2002, and monthly
increases of 2.8 percent in April 2002 and 0.5 percent in June 2002.
The growth this quarter was mixed, with 11 out of the 15 storetypes recording higher seasonally adjusted sales, compared
with the March 2002 quarter. The largest contributors to the increase in sales were the motor vehicle retailing and
motor vehicle services storetypes.
When adjusted for a 1.1 percent increase in prices, the volume of seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 1.2 percent
in the June 2002 quarter, compared with the March 2002 quarter. This follows a 2.2 percent volume increase last quarter.
The price increases were widespread with 13 out of 15 storetypes recording an increase in prices this quarter compared
with March 2002. The only falls occurred in the food retailing and appliance retailing storetypes.
Regional growth remains strong this quarter, with all six major regions recording an increase in seasonally adjusted
sales compared with the March 2002 quarter. The largest increase occurred in the Waikato region, which is up 4.2
percent.
The retail sales trend remains positive, continuing a pattern of growth evident since June 1998.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
END