Huge retail jump for Hastings

A big leap in retail spending in Hastings is very positive news for the district, says Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule.

In the three months to December spending in Hastings shops and eateries was up almost 20 per cent on the same period the year before, a just-released report says.

Nationally retail spending was up just 2.6 per cent.

Mr Yule says the Marketview report, which measures credit card and eftpos transactions, has “great news” in it. “It’s a real reflection of an increase in the confidence and prosperity of our district.”

Shops selling furniture and flooring and cafes and restaurants saw the greatest jumps, up 50.7 and 11.2 per cent respectively. The total spend for the three months hit $72.6 million.

Most of the customers were from within Hastings (70%), however there were increases in the number of Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa shoppers spending in the district. Also up were customers from across the rest of New Zealand (32.7 per cent), and abroad (13.8%).

“That our retail outlets have had such a big jump compared to the rest of New Zealand is extremely satisfying and shows we’re on the right track. Both Council and the district’s business associations work hard at making our shopping areas as welcoming and vibrant as possible – and it is paying off.

“It’s also a reflection of the success of our industries, particularly horticulture, which are doing very well. And that puts money in our people’s pockets.”

Hastings City Business Association manager Susan McDade said the increases showed retailers were putting “their best foot forward”.

“This is extremely positive. Our retailers are working really hard together to constantly improve the whole retail environment in our city. The effort we put into making the city look and feel really festive in the run-up to Christmas made everyone feel good about doing their shopping in the city. And there’s lots more to come, especially on the entertainment and event front.”

And more good news is expected in the coming year, with the city’s Vibrancy Plan being put into action. That focuses on attracting more people into the city centre to increase business by making it a pleasant place to relax and shop using things like street enhancement, music and events.

The statistics (for the three months ending December 31):

Spend: $72,689,711

Transactions: 1,364,362

Hastings shoppers: 70.3% of the total

Napier shoppers: 17.3% of the total

ENDS

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