Media Release: A Good Christmas for Retailing in 2003

13 February 2003

Retail results released by Statistics New Zealand confirm December 2003 was a good month for both retailers and consumers, says John Albertson, CEO of the NZ Retailers Association.

Sales of general merchandise rose by 5.5% in the month with reasonable increases in turnover for most categories of general merchandise stores.  These stores clearly passed on the benefits of the high value of the New Zealand dollar for imported merchandise to consumers - both in the lead up to Christmas, and in the traditional post Christmas sales.

Reasonable growth was also generally evident throughout the country.

Price discounting was high before and after Christmas and consumers certainly gained the benefits of a very competitive market.

Viewed on a calendar year basis, total retail sales increased by 5.3% in 2003 which was in line with our expectations.

We believe 2004 will bring similar results to 2003 and, provided consistency is maintained in the Government's overall economic direction, contend that 2004 will be yet another good year for the industry in New Zealand, concluded Mr Albertson. 

-end-

Further Information: 

John Albertson       027 445 9400
Chief Executive Officer
jalbertson@retail.org.nz

Barry Hellberg       021 673 480
Government Relations Consultant
bhellberg@retail.org.nz

John Albertson is the chief executive of the NZ Retailers Association and has held the position for seven years.  Before taking on the role of chief executive of the Association, Albertson was national group marketing manager of R Hannah and Co - New Zealand's leading specialist footwear chain.

Barry Hellberg is the Government Relations Consultant for the Association.  His main tasks include liaison with government and government agencies on a wide range of industry issues.

New Zealand Retailers Association Inc, National Office
Level 8, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street, Wellington. 
www.retail.org.nz