Retailers Look Forward to Good Christmas

Retailers Look Forward to Good Christmas After Retail Trade Stats Released

The latest Retail Trade Statistics released today show that the retail sector is continuing to move forward, despite some economic challenges, with retailers looking forward to a positive Christmas trading season, according to a recent poll of retailers by Retail NZ, the organisation representing both traditional and online shops.

"Today's Retail Trade Statistics show a 1.5 per cent rise in retail spending over the last quarter. There's lots of competition in the retail market - but today's statistics show that trading is continuing to improve and that consumers are spending," Retail NZ Chief Executive Mark Johnston said today. "Competition from offshore retailers continues to challenge Kiwi firms and, while spend by New Zealanders on overseas websites is thought to be substantial, it is not included in the official statistics.

"We've just completed a snapshot survey of our members which shows that 43 per cent of retailers think the last quarter has been better than the previous quarter, and 33 per cent think it's been about the same. Just under a quarter of retailers have found business to be more challenging over the last three months. The results are similar right around the country and our poll reinforces the official Statistics New Zealand view of slow but steady increases in retail spending.

"There's good news on the horizon too. Kiwis are getting ready for Christmas, and retailers are looking forward to their busiest trading period of the year, with nearly two-thirds of them expecting a good Christmas sales period.

"Retail NZ represents both traditional and online retailers. Around the country, retailers big and small alike, are working hard to provide top class shopping products and services to consumers. There are real challenges for New Zealand shops and etailers, but by focussing on meeting customer needs, the sector is working hard to keep delivering great shopping experiences to Kiwis".

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