Retail Sales Increase 0.8 Percent
Seasonally adjusted total retail sales increased 0.8 percent in October 2002 compared with September 2002, according to
Statistics New Zealand. This follows a 0.1 percent decrease in September 2002.
Seasonally adjusted sales for the core retailing group (which excludes the motor vehicle retailing and motor vehicle
service storetypes) increased by 1.1 percent in October 2002, compared with September 2002.
The increase in total seasonally adjusted sales was widespread this month, with 13 out of the 15 storetypes recording
higher seasonally adjusted sales in October 2002, compared with September 2002. The largest increases occurred in the
motor vehicle services and other stores storetypes. The two storetypes that recorded decreases were motor vehicle
retailing and accommodation, hotels and liquor.
All six major regions recorded higher seasonally adjusted sales this month, compared with September 2002. The largest
increase occurred in the Wellington region. The trend for total retail sales remains positive, which continues a pattern
of growth seen since the last turning point in May 1998.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
END