Consumers don't look to be full of Christmas cheer

Consumers don't look to be full of Christmas cheer
Consumers channel the Grinch this Xmas. (Image: Getty)
Rebecca Howard
Christmas may come early for Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Adrian Orr if spending continues to fall, but retailers aren’t so full of cheer. A Buy NZ Made survey of small businesses indicated 64% are struggling with rising costs and 30% are struggling with cashflow and inflation.Less than half are optimistic about the Christmas period and a quarter say just staying afloat will be their focus in 2024, Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler said.The Warehouse Group recently reported total sales of $713.3 million for...

More Economy

Manufacturing sector keeping head above water
Economy

Manufacturing sector keeping head above water

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector remained in expansionary territory for a third consecutive month, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for March was 53.2, down from 54.1 in February.  A number above 50 m...

Rebecca Howard 11 Apr 2025
Hart business tips manufacturing contractor into receivership
Retail

Hart business tips manufacturing contractor into receivership

A spokesperson estimated Hansells Masterton employs 100 people.

Staff reporters 10 Apr 2025
PM to hit the phone to defend global trading system
Economy

PM to hit the phone to defend global trading system

Luxon said he would test what world leaders “can do together".

Staff reporters 10 Apr 2025
Economists react to 'dovish' RBNZ cuts
Economy

Economists react to 'dovish' RBNZ cuts

RBNZ says recent global policy developments have shifted the balance of risk. 

Rebecca Howard 09 Apr 2025