(12 February 2013 – New Zealand) Kiwi shoppers spent more on their debit and credit cards in January, with a noticeable rise at building industry and health sector retailers according to a new source.According to the source, the total value of spending through its network in January was 5.1 percent more than a year ago.
Although the total spending value of NZ$3.96 billion (A$3.2 billion) was actually lower than December, it was 0.6 percent more on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Spending on housing-related items continued to increase – plumbing outlets experienced 17.8 percent growth year-on-year, hardware and home decorating stores 11.6 percent, and gardening stores 7.6 percent.
Growth in the health sector suggested Kiwis were looking for a healthy start to 2013, the source said. Dentists saw 17.2 percent growth compared to last January, medical centres 10.1 percent and optometrists 9.1 percent.
The gains were good news after only ‘modest’ spending during the Christmas shopping season.
The automotive sector saw growth in both repairs and servicing, up 14 percent, and parts and accessories, up 9.7 percent.
The volume of card transactions last month was 6.3 percent higher than a year ago.
‘Importantly, New Zealanders are still increasingly finding card payment to be convenient – for purchases both big and small.’