The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand increased by 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter compared with the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Figures are adjusted for price inflation and seasonal effects.
"Growth in retail activity was modest in the March quarter, with the majority of industries contributing positively," economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.
"Motor vehicle retailing, and pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing saw the largest increases this quarter."
Ten of the 15 retail industries had higher retail sales volumes in the March 2025 quarter, compared with the December 2024 quarter, after adjusting for price and seasonal effects.
| "Industry (ANZSIC06)" | "$" |
| "Motor vehicle and parts retailing" | "108345000" |
| "Pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing" | " 61384000" |
| "Clothing | " 37838000" |
| footwear | " 24096000" |
| and personal accessories" | " 16505000" |
| "Accommodation" | " 10658000" |
| "Non-store and commission-based retailing" | " 8419000" |
| "Specialised food retailing" | " 6735000" |
| "Recreational goods retailing" | " 6368000" |
| "Supermarket and grocery stores" | " 5462000" |
| "Department stores" | " -158000" |
| "Fuel retailing" | " -3324000" |
| "Electrical and electronic goods retailing" | "-14538000" |
| "Food and beverage services" | "-27738000" |
| "Furniture | "-42460000" |
| floor coverings | |
| houseware | |
| and textile goods" | |
| "Liquor retailing" | |
| "Hardware | |
| building | |
| and garden supplies" |
The biggest contributors to the rise in retail activity in the March 2025 quarter were:
- motor vehicles and parts retailing - up 3.1 percent
- pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing - up 3.7 percent
- clothing, footwear, and accessories - up 3.2 percent
- accommodation - up 2.9 percent.
Retail sales up in all regions across the country
All 16 regions had higher retail sales values in the March 2025 quarter, compared with the December 2024 quarter, after adjusting for seasonal effects.
Sales in the South Island increased by 2.7 percent ($200 million) to $7.6 billion, while sales in the North Island increased by 1.7 percent ($373 million) to $23 billion. Regional data is not adjusted for price effects.
"West Coast and Nelson regions had the highest percentage increase in retail sales this quarter, relative to the previous quarter," Feyen said.
| Region | Percent |
| West Coast | 5.7 |
| Nelson | 4.6 |
| Southland | 3.7 |
| Otago | 3.2 |
| Wellington | 2.5 |
| Canterbury | 2.4 |
| Bay of Plenty | 1.9 |
| Auckland | 1.9 |
| Taranaki | 1.9 |
| Gisborne | 1.6 |
| Waikato | 1.1 |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | 0.8 |
| Northland | 0.5 |
| Tasman | 0.3 |
| Hawke's Bay | 0.2 |
| Marlborough | 0.1 |
