Retail Trade Survey: November 2005
Little Change for Most Retail Industries
Seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 0.9 percent in November 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. For the
second consecutive month, the majority of the retail industries recorded relatively small dollar movements. Total sales
for the core retailing group (which excludes vehicle-related industries) were relatively unchanged in November 2005
compared with October 2005.
The trend for retail sales continues to increase steadily.
Excluding motor vehicle retailing, no industries recorded seasonally adjusted movements exceeding $10 million in
November 2005, and the only industries to record movements exceeding $5 million were department stores, other retailing,
automotive fuel retailing, and chemist retailing.
The monthly seasonally adjusted sales series for motor vehicle retailing has shown increased volatility recently, with
relatively large decreases in September 2005 and October 2005, and increases in August 2005 and November 2005 (up $53
million). The underlying sales trend for motor vehicle retailing has been declining for eight months, following a peak
in March 2005.
On a regional basis, retail spending was mixed in November 2005. In the North Island, Wellington was the only region to
recorded a seasonally adjusted increase, while both South Island regions recorded increases.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS
There is a companion Hot Off The Press information release published – Retail Trade Survey: November 2005.