Industry association Retail NZ has tipped record Christmas trading, estimating that consumers will spend a record $17.4 billion in the lead up to the big day.

“We know that some customers have already started their Christmas shopping, and that Kiwis are getting ready for the busy summer barbecue period,” Retail NZ’s general manager for public affairs, said today.

“November and December are very busy months for retail in New Zealand.”

Online spending will likely peak in November, according to Harford who said Kiwis will spend up big over the next two months across all retail categories, up around five per cent from last year.

“However, despite the likely increase in spending, it’s not all rosy for retailers,” he said.

“Across the sector, retailers face strong competition from each other domestically, as well as from global websites that have massive scale.  

“While spending will likely be up over the next couple of months, margins are under real pressure, economic uncertainty is likely to put pressure on consumer spending, and many retailers are struggling to hit their sales targets.”  

The industry association expects uplifts in consumer spending, especially on clothing, sports and leisure, homeware, accessories and food and drink.