13 October 2006
Retail Sales Unchanged in August
Seasonally adjusted total retail sales remained unchanged in August 2006 compared with July 2006,
Statistics New Zealand said today. Excluding the vehicle-related industries, sales for the core retailing group fell
0.6 percent in August 2006.
The total retail sales trend has eased in the past year, with the rate of increase reducing to a monthly average of 0.3
percent. This compares with an average increase of 0.6 percent in the previous two years.
The largest dollar-value increases were recorded in the motor vehicle retailing industry, up 3.7 percent, and the
hospitality-related industries, with a combined increase of 2.5 percent.
Downwards contributions of sales were more widespread, with the largest dollar-value decreases recorded in recreational
goods retailing, down 7.5 percent, and department stores, down 3.9 percent.
Dallas Welch
Acting Government Statistician
ENDS