(18 January 2012 – New Zealand) Statistics New Zealand has released the December figures for Eftpos and card transactions, showing Kiwi shoppers spent more than ever with NZ$6.6 billion (A$5.07 billion).When seasonally adjusted however, the value of total card spending for the month decreased 0.2 percent taking away the effect of Christmas sales.
In core retail, excluding fuel and car-related sales, spending on cards dipped 0.1 percent.
Shoppers spent more on their cards in consumables, which includes food and liquor and was up 0.5 percent, and durables – which includes appliances and cosmetics and was up 0.4 percent.
Card spending in both the hospitality and apparel sectors fell slightly.
If fuel and motor vehicle-related sales are included, card spending in retail industries was down 0.3 per cent last month. Fuel retailing slipped 0.1 percent after four months of strong rises.
Statistics’ industry and labour statistics manager, Louise Holmes-Oliver, said the number of transactions in retail industries had exceeded 100 million in December for the first time.
‘This milestone was reached despite flooding in Tasman and earthquakes in Canterbury during the Christmas shopping period.
Card spending was also flat in November, down 0.2 percent. Spending in core retail for the month fell 1.3 percent.
In contrast, total card spending in October was up 1.8 percent, with core retail recording a 0.9 percent lift.