Christmas trading better than expected

16 February 2005

Christmas Trading Better Than Expected

The December retail sales figures released by Statistics NZ were a little stronger than expected with the month being 8.1% ahead of December last year (or 7.6% excluding the automotive sales and services sector).

"This was a very positive result for the industry" said John Albertson, Chief Executive of the NZ Retailers Association.  "Coming on the back of a strong November result the full December quarter was 7.4% ahead of the December quarter of 2003.

"Most sectors of the industry participated in the growth with the strongest performance for the month being from big ticket items - furniture, floor coverings and appliance retailing.

On a quarterly basis these sectors also performed strongly against the December quarter 2003.

"Clothing and soft-goods retailing turned in an average performance for December month (+7.3%) and footwear weakened after a very strong showing in November (-3.1%).

"It was pleasing to note that the 7.6% turnover growth in the month was significantly ahead of the growth in credit card transactions of 4.5%.

"Retailers had a good Christmas - we are pleased that our customers did too.

"The industry looks forward to continuing positive trading in 2005."