15 June 2026

New Zealand retailers will be buoyed by the latest Stats NZ Electronic Card Transaction data, which shows the strongest year-on-year growth in actual core retail sales since January 2024. 

“The core retail spending was up 2.8% in May 2026 compared to a year earlier – the highest rise in more than two years,” says Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young. “Most impressively, the durables sector, which includes furniture, hardware, electronics, and pharmacies, jumped 4.8% on 2025 figures.” 

“We are seeing the evidence of the ‘IKEA Effect’ boosting furniture sales. With fuel prices finally coming down from the highs of March and April, people who had put off buying major items are out spending again, heavily supported by King’s Birthday weekend promotions,” Ms Young says.   

The hospitality sector also performed well, up 3.2% on May last year. 

“We’ve seen a number of high-profile sporting and music events over the past month,” Ms Young notes. “People are spending with local retailers then choosing to make a night of it by heading out to local restaurants and bars.” 

In contrast, growth in consumables was modest compared to recent trends. 

“Kiwis are still being strategic with day-to-day budgets,” Ms Young says. “We know people are actively switching to cheaper brands to bring down their weekly grocery spending, with thought behind every dollar spent.” 

Ms Young says overall, it is highly encouraging to see retail seeing some growth despite recent international turbulence. 

For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452

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