11 Jul 2016

Shoppers spent up large in June

1:43 pm on 11 July 2016

Spending using electronic cards has risen, with all retail categories making gains.

23062016 Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King. Busy streets in Wellington.

Daniel Snowden: "The retail sector is very much in a robust period." Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Credit, debit and charge card spending rose a seasonally adjusted 1.2 percent in June, after a slight fall the month before, Statistics New Zealand figures show.

People spent more on items around the home, including furniture, as well as on food, dining out, clothing and fuel.

It is the first time since March 2015 that all sub-categories have risen in the same month.

Core retail spending, which strips out vehicle related sectors, rose 1 percent after no change in May.

ASB economist Daniel Snowden said retail spending is was unlikely to slow down for the rest of the year.

"The retail sector is very much in a robust period at the moment with interest rates continuing to come down, and looking like there are going to be further cuts somewhere along the line - there's little pressure on consumers from that angle."

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