Broad-based Increase in Retail Sales

Embargoed until 10:45am – 13 April 2007

Broad-based Increase in Retail Sales

Seasonally adjusted total retail sales increased 1.9 percent in February 2007, Statistics New Zealand said today. Increases were broad-based, with 19 out of the 24 retailing industries recording higher sales than in January. Excluding vehicle-related industries, sales for the core retailing group rose 2.3 percent in February 2007.

The largest increases came from supermarket and grocery stores, other retailing, appliance retailing, cafes and restaurants, and automotive fuel retailing. Motor vehicle retailing and furniture and floor coverings were the only two industries with notable decreases.

Seasonally adjusted sales increased in all New Zealand regions for February 2007, with South Island regions recording the largest percentage increases.

The sales trend in the retail sector continues to increase.

Dallas Welch
Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

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