Holiday spending contributes to 0.9 percent increase in retail sales – Retail trade survey: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

23 February 2026

The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand increased by $239 million (0.9 percent) in the December 2025 quarter compared with the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Figures are adjusted for price inflation and seasonal effects.

“Spending on discretionary items helped drive an overall increase in retail activity,” economic indicators spokespersons Michelle Feyen said.

“Pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing, electrical and electronic goods, and hardware, building, and garden supplies saw the largest increases in activity this quarter.”

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