Retail card spending rose 2.6 per cent or by $171 million in January, after allowing for seasonal adjustments, Stats NZ reports.

The increase was largely driven by the durables category which includes items such as furniture, hardware and appliances, up 5.1 per cent or by $80 million.

Likewise, apparel sales were up 3.9 per cent or by $13 million.

Fuel sales declined 2.5 per cent or by $14 million while consumables were down 0.3 per cent or by $7.1 million.

Stats NZ business performance manager, Ricky Ho, said the increase in spending on durables came after decreases in November and December last year.

Since the effects of the pandemic are yet to wear off fully, the department has revealed spending in the hospitality industry has increased 16.6 per cent, or by $187 million year-on-year.

• Further reading: Card spending slides in December