Retail spending with BNZ credit and debit cards for the week ending October 19, 2014 was up 1.1 per cent, with transaction volumes up 2.6 per cent compared with the same week in 2013.

The BNZ Marketview report stated that on a week by week basis retail spending has been very stable over the past month.

Retail spending in the last 30 days has been up 1.3 per cent, while transaction volumes are up 2.3 per cent.

The type of purchase has changed a little, although consumers are being smart with their budgets.

Furniture and flooring experienced a strong week, with spending up eight per cent.

Department stores reported spending was up 4.9 per cent, and footwear was up 6.2 per cent.

Clothing retailers had just a 0.2 per cent drop in spending this week, compared with 4.0 per cent drop for the month so far.