People appear to have regained confidence it's okay to shop
People appear to have regained confidence it's okay to shop
23 February 2026
Stats NZ data shows retail sales rose by 239 million dollars in December, compared with the September quarter - up about one percent.
Spending grew in 12 regions, rising strongly for durables like household appliances.
ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith says this should continue.
He says hiring is improving and the tail wind is being felt from things like tourism - so they're cautiously optimistic.
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