Broad-Based Increase in Retail Sales

12 November 2004

Retail Trade Survey: September 2004 quarter — 12 November 2004 Broad-Based Increase in Retail Sales

Seasonally adjusted total retail sales increased 2.3 percent in the September 2004 quarter, compared with the June 2004 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. Nineteen of the 24 retail industries recorded higher sales this quarter, with automotive fuel retailing recording the largest dollar value increase of $47 million (15 percent of the total quarterly increase).

Close behind, with increases of $40 million each (13 percent of the total increase), were recreational goods (which includes marine equipment; sports and camping equipment; and newspapers, books and stationery) and other retailing (which includes watches and jewellery, antiques, garden supplies, art galleries and souvenirs).

Excluding the motor vehicle-related industries, seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 2.4 percent in the September 2004 quarter, compared with the June 2004 quarter.

With the effects of price changes removed, seasonally adjusted total retail sales rose 2.6 percent in the September 2004 quarter, compared with the June 2004 quarter. This follows rises of 0.9 percent in the June 2004 quarter and 2.3 percent in the March 2004 quarter. The retail trade deflators showed that prices increased in 13 of the 24 retail industries in the latest quarter.

Continuing the steady increase since the June 1998 quarter, the retail sales trend increased by 1.8 percent in the September 2004 quarter, compared with the June 2004 quarter. On a regional basis, the retail sales trend for the total North Island increased 2.3 percent and the retail sales trend for the total South Island increased 1.7 percent, over the same period.

Total actual sales for the September 2004 quarter were $13,509 million, 8.1 percent higher than for the September 2003 quarter. Brian Pink Government Statistician

ENDS

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