Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Don’t be fooled by the latest retail stats


Media release


Don’t be fooled by the latest retail stats

“Business for our retailers is by no means as rosy as the latest figures may suggest,” said Cameron Brewer, head of New Zealand’s leading retailing district, Newmarket.

Mr Brewer was commenting on Statistic New Zealand’s latest retail trade survey released at 11am this morning. Seasonally adjusted retail sales rose 1.4 percent in the March 2006 quarter compared with the December 2005 quarter.

“While on the face of it these figures may look generally positive, the mood out there is one of uncertainty. These statistics confirm our suspicions that while department stores may have done quite well in the last quarter, the likes of individual fashion and footwear retailers have recorded negative figures overall.

“My retailers tell me it has been hard going this year with the costs of doing business only getting higher and higher, the latest of course being petrol and diesel.

“Further, retailing is only going to get tougher in the coming months with gloomy economic forecasts ahead of us and more competition coming into the marketplace. For example, the opening of Sylvia Park in Mt Wellington next month will come at the expense of other mega centres like Botany Downs.

“Businesses would love to see some serious tax relief in Dr Cullen’s forthcoming budget as was announced in the Australian federal budget last week. Our Government however will be big on talking about its huge operating surplus, but light on how it's going to reduce the cost burdens on business.

“Auckland retailers are feeling a lot of uncertainty as we head into winter, not helped by high fuel prices and the real possibility of costly congestion charges. Today’s statistics will be of little comfort to them,” said Cameron Brewer.

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.