Retail NZ has published the results of its annual report on wages across the sector and says on average, wages have increased by 5.1 per cent over the last year, from $20.73 to $21.80.

The industry association said its survey suggested that wage increases in the retail sector have outpaced increases in the minimum wage, which increased 3.3 per cent on April 1 earlier this year(from $15.25 to $15.75).

“This partly reflects increased demand for skilled staff, and that retailers are increasingly seeking to invest in their people and help them build a career path in the sector,” said Greg Harford, Retail NZ, GM public affairs.

“We also asked respondents to indicate other ways that they reward their employees and found that 90 per cent of retail employers offered some form of additional benefits, such as discounts, commission or training opportunities.

Over 209,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector – about 10 per cent of all jobs in the New Zealand economy.

“On a regional basis, retail wage rates are highest in Auckland, and there was little wage growth recorded in the South Island,” said Harford.  

“Our report again recorded higher wages across the board for retailers with higher turnover levels. This indicates the challenges smaller retailers are facing in our regional centres, but also reflects the general ability of larger businesses to invest more in all aspects of their operations.”