The latest Retail Trade statistics for Hawke’s Bay have revealed improved retail sales during the first quarter of 2015.

The Hastings District has consistently upheld retail sales throughout each quarter since October 2013. The figures indicate healthy sales throughout the year but, more importantly, there has been an overall increase in retail sales of eight per cent for the Hastings District compared to the same period in 2014.

The region as a whole has improved, with Napier seeing a two per cent increase on the same period.

This rise in sales illustrates that the retail sector is moving in the right direction and that consumers are spending money with more confidence. Competition from online stores and overseas websites continues to be a concern, but they are not impacting as significantly as previously feared.

Susan McDade of the Hastings City Business Association said, “Despite the struggles that most of the retail sector has endured in recent years, our Hastings central business district retailers seem to be pulling out all the stops to stay on top, and the figures show that it this strategy is paying off. Another rise in the next quarter will really indicate that the tides are turning, and our CBD can gain more confidence in moving forward.”