WELLINGTON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand rose by 472 million NZ dollars (269.74 million U.S. dollars), a 1.9 percent increase, in the September 2025 quarter compared to the previous quarter, Stats NZ reported Thursday.
"This is the largest increase in activity since December 2021," Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.
This increase, adjusted for inflation and seasonal effects, was driven largely by gains in motor vehicle and parts retailing, which grew 7.2 percent, and electrical and electronic goods retailing, which surged 9.8 percent, according to the statistics department.
Out of the 15 retail industries surveyed, eight experienced higher sales volumes, while supermarkets and grocery stores saw a decline of 1.4 percent, it said.
Other sectors with growth included food and beverage services, which increased 1.6 percent, and hardware, building, and garden supplies, up 1.7 percent, statistics showed.
Regionally, 14 out of 16 areas in New Zealand showed higher retail sales values in the September 2025 quarter, compared with the June 2025 quarter.
