Spending by kiwis electronically has edged up 0.6 per cent for the week ending January 18 over the same week last year, according to BNZ’s weekly MarketView report.

Transactions in the week were up 3.1 per cent, indicating that growth in spending was driven by more cardholder activity in the market.

Hardware and homeware continued to see a rise in foot traffic, seeing a 8.2 per cent uplift in its weekly transactions, the highest across all retail categories analysed.

Spending in the sector was up 4.9 per cent for the week. Falling fuel prices also made a prominent impact on spending this week.

The category experienced a 10.1 per cent decrease in spending over the same week last year, while transaction volumes remained on par.

According to Z Energy CEO, Mike Bennetts, the price of fuel could stay low for the next two years. Fuel spending in the following weeks will likely reveal how consumers react as low prices stick around.

Spending in the clothing and footwear categories over the last four weeks was up 4.8 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively – a good result as the two sectors have struggled with the growing popularity of online shopping.

The small boost in spending is likely a reflection of sale seasons as well as the recent fall in the kiwi dollar against foreign currencies.