Embargoed until 10:45am – 14 December 2006
Retail Sales Steady
In October 2006, seasonally adjusted retail sales remained at a similar level to September 2006, Statistics New Zealand
said today. Sales increased by 0.3 percent for the month. Excluding vehicle-related industries, core retailing sales
rose 0.2 percent. Sales for vehicle-related industries increased 0.5 percent.
The trend in total retail sales continues to increase. The rate of increase has picked up recently after easing towards
the end of 2005.
Of the 24 industries, half recorded increased sales in October 2006 and half recorded decreases.
Only three industries recorded sales movements greater than $6 million. They were motor vehicle retailing, and
supermarkets and grocery stores, which both rose, and automotive fuel retailing, which fell.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS