NZ retail sales rise 0.9% in third quarter, led by cars and petrol
Sales volumes increased in motor vehicle and parts retailing, up 3.4%, with fuel retailing increasing 2.2%.
New Zealand retail sales rose in the third quarter, led by increased spending on vehicles and fuel.
The volume of retail sales increased a seasonally adjusted 0.9% in the three months ended Sept. 30, slowing from a 2.2% rise in the June quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today.
Sales volumes increased in motor vehicle and parts retailing, up 3.4%, with fuel retailing increasing 2.2%. Ten of the 15 industries surveyed had higher sales volumes this quarter, with the largest increase in accommodation, up 4.7%, the agency said.
Nine of the 15 industries had higher sales values in the quarter, led by motor vehicle and parts retailing which rose 3% to $85 million. Increased sales volumes for vehicles and fuel accounted for almost three-quarters of the September quarter's total increase, Statistics NZ said.
The retail trade survey release was originally scheduled for last Wednesday but was delayed after last Monday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks damaged its Wellington base to the extent that it could be up to a year before it can be reoccupied.
On an unadjusted basis, the volume of retail spending rose 4.7% to $20.1 billion in the September quarter compared with the same quarter in 2015.
(BusinessDesk)
Sophie Boot
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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NZ retail sales rise 0.9% in third quarter, led by cars and petrol
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