Big-spending tourists help boost retail activity

Economists believe the increase in retail spending was helped by the recent influx of tourists. (Image: Getty)

Tue, 11 Oct 2022

Economists believe the reopening of New Zealand’s borders, bringing with it an influx of tourists, helped produce stronger-than-expected retail spending figures last month.Statistics NZ said this morning retail card spending rose 1.4%, or $88 million, last month, with spending on consumables continuing to rise.Spending rose across most retail industries in September, with the largest contribution coming from consumable items, such as groceries and liquor, increasing $20m or 0.8%.Total card spending reached $8.6 billion last month, up 32.9...

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