A small uptick in retail spending revealed by Stats NZ is a “particularly welcome” development for businesses, says Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young.

Card transaction data for January 2026 show that retail spending grew by 1.1 per cent year-on-year, which Young said was positive news after a disappointing December.

“The spending figures from January show retailers have received a small spending boost to start the year, which will have been particularly welcome after a muted sales period in the traditionally strong December Christmas spending rush,” Young added.

“While durables experienced a decline in card spending of 1.5 per cent, all other core retail sectors experienced a rise, which will have been particularly well-received by the struggling apparel sector with their 1.4 per cent boost compared to the previous year.” 

Young said that, while consumer confidence is also on the rise, members of Retail NZ continue to adjust sales targets to reflect the current economic climate, adding that caution is expected to continue.

“While there is slightly more willingness by households to pull out the wallet, shoppers are remaining cautious about how much they are spending,” Young said.