Retail Sales Indicator - August 2000

Seasonally adjusted retail sales for August are estimated at $3,684 million according to Statistics New Zealand's Retail Sales Indicator. This early estimate of retail sales suggests growth of 1.5 per cent on the July result. August sales, excluding the motor vehicle sales and servicing storetypes, were $2,600 million, a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.7 per cent on the corresponding July total.

The Retail Sales Indicator is derived from early responses to Statistics New Zealand's monthly Retail Trade Survey. For August, responses contributed 77 per cent of the published value of the indicator. The other 23 per cent comprises sales estimates for retailers who had not responded by 20 September. These estimates are based on the sales of other similar sized retailers, in a similar activity and location.

Final retail sales statistics for August, including the usual detailed storetype analysis, will be released on Thursday 5 October. Releases of the Retail Sales Indicator will generally be at 3pm on the 21st day of the month following the reference period or on the next business day should the date fall on a weekend or public holiday.

Ian Ewing DEPUTY GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN

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