Retail Sales Increase 0.8 Percent

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

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