Total online retail spending grew nine per cent on February last year, according to figures by BNZ.

Online purchases at domestic merchants in February were up six per cent on the spending levels a year earlier, similar to the growth in spending at physical stores. Annual growth in online spending at local merchants has settled into single digits, typically tracking between four and eight per cent a year, BNZ says.

Spending at international sites was up 13 per cent on the levels of February 2014. The growth rate has eased in recent months, but remains double that of online sales at domestic retailers.

Sub-categories to see strong growth included other specialised foo, up 38 per cent year on year; entertainment, including downloads, 23 per cent2; electrical and electronic appliances, up 27 per cent; computers and peripherals, 19 per cent; and clothing, 17 per cent.