New Zealand retail spending remains on the rise after a strong growth during the pre-Christmas period, lifting spending for the period above levels seen in the past two years.

According to Worldline New Zealand, spending through retail merchants in its network reached $696 million over the seven days ending in January 4, up 7 per cent year on year and 13 per cent on the pre-Covid levels.

In particular, spending on December 31 surged 9 per cent compared to the year before, reaching $140 million. The growth is highlighted with sales through liquor retailing merchants increasing 13 per cent year on year, reaching $16 million. The increase in sales though liquor retailing merchants on New Year’s Eve can be seen across all Worldline NZ-defined regions, except Gisborne and West Coast.

Worldline NZ reported that spending at core retail merchants nationwide in the critical pre-Christmas period of last year was up 6.9 per cent on 2020, showing a strong performance despite lockdowns and travel restrictions across borders around New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland.

Taranaki accounted for the highest annual spending growth, up 17 per cent.