New Zealand retail sales saw a modest uplift in the June quarter compared to the March quarter, mainly driven by higher numbers from the electronics, grocery and pharmaceutical sectors.

According to data from Stats NZ, total volume of retail sales in the June quarter increased 0.5 per cent to $25 billion, as compared to the March quarter. The total value of retail sales was up 0.1 per cent to $31 billion.

Of the 15 retail categories, eight had higher retail sales volumes in the June quarter compared to the March quarter.

Electrical and electronic goods retailing saw the biggest improvement (4.6 per cent), followed by supermarket and grocery stores (up 1.3 per cent), pharmaceutical retailing (1.2 per cent), and department stores (1 per cent).

Industries that saw a drop in sales include clothing and footwear, fuel, hardware, food and beverage services, and specialised food.

By geography, 12 of the 16 regions had lower retail sales values in the June quarter compared to the March quarter. The four regions with retail sales growth are Otago, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty and Nelson.

Sales in the South Island increased 0.2 per cent to $7.6 billion, while sales in the North Island fell 0.3 per cent to $22.7 billion.

“Between the June 2022 and June 2025 quarters, actual retail sales have increased by 17.7 per cent in the South Island compared with 3.5 per cent in the North Island,” commented Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen.