Retail Sales Unchanged in August

13 October 2006

Retail Sales Unchanged in August

Seasonally adjusted total retail sales remained unchanged in August 2006 compared with July 2006,

Statistics New Zealand said today. Excluding the vehicle-related industries, sales for the core retailing group fell 0.6 percent in August 2006.

The total retail sales trend has eased in the past year, with the rate of increase reducing to a monthly average of 0.3 percent. This compares with an average increase of 0.6 percent in the previous two years.

The largest dollar-value increases were recorded in the motor vehicle retailing industry, up 3.7 percent, and the hospitality-related industries, with a combined increase of 2.5 percent.

Downwards contributions of sales were more widespread, with the largest dollar-value decreases recorded in recreational goods retailing, down 7.5 percent, and department stores, down 3.9 percent.

Dallas Welch

Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

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