Country starts buying but quakes slow Christchurch
As expected, the February 22 Christchurch earthquake had a significant impact on retail sales in the city.
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As expected, the February 22 Christchurch earthquake had a significant impact on retail sales in the city.
Figures released by Statistics New Zealand today show that seasonally adjusted total retail sales values for the whole country increased 2% in the March 2011 quarter, the largest increase recorded since the March 2007 quarter.
Increases were recorded in all regions, except in Canterbury, which was down 2.2%.
Statistics New Zealand business statistics manager Louise Holmes-Oliver said normally she would not comment on regional information from the retail trade survey because the survey was not designed to produce regional estimates.
“However, the information we have shows that sales movements in several retail industries in Christchurch were significantly lower than at the national level as a result of the 22 February earthquake.
“We would like to thank all respondents for their quarterly retail trade information, and especially the many from Canterbury who were able to provide information despite the impact of the February 2011 earthquake on their businesses,” Mrs Holmes-Oliver said.
The two vehicle-related industries were by far the largest contributors to the 2% increase in sales values for the quarter.
Motor vehicles and parts retailing was up 5.9%, while fuel retailing was 5.6% higher.
This was the first time quarterly retail sales figures had been collected. In the past it was done monthly.
Colin Williscroft
Wed, 15 Jun 2011
Wed, 15 Jun 2011
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Country starts buying but quakes slow Christchurch
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