Media Releases - Retail NZ

We speak up for retailers, and elevate the voice of retail. Here you can see Retail NZ’s latest commentary in news and media.

For key issues currently affecting the retail sector, we’re engaging with the media. We represent New Zealand’s retail industry. Check out the media releases below!

For enquiries regarding media, press releases and retail news, please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452 or email [email protected].

Practical steps to combat retail crime welcomed

13 July 2023

Retail NZ welcomes the actions by the Government to take practical steps to combat retail crime.

Retail NZ welcomes conversation on retail crime to be aggravating factor in sentencing

13 July 2023

Retail NZ is encouraged by the proposed policy from the Act Party to amend the Sentencing Act so that judges must take into account the fact that a serious violent offence occurred against a worker during their course of work as an aggravating factor.

Retail NZ appoints new Chief Executive

7 July 2023

Retail NZ has appointed Carolyn Young as its new Chief Executive, to succeed Greg Harford, who is stepping down from 21 July.

Trading challenges continue into winter for retailers

7 July 2023

The latest Retail Radar report from Retail NZ confirms that trading challenges are continuing for retailers.

Questions raised on LGWM project data

22 June 2023

Retail NZ is calling on the Wellington City Council, and Let’s Get Welly Moving (LGWM) to have another look at its data before progressing projects.

Retail NZ Chief Executive stepping down

3 May 2023

Retail NZ is seeking a new Chief Executive, following news that Greg Harford is leaving the organisation.

First months of the year show challenges for retailers

17 April 2023

A mixed performance in the first three months, and end of the summer peak season has produced mixed results across the retail sector.

Retail NZ unsurprised by economic downturn

16 March 2023

Retailers across the country have already been experiencing an economic downturn well before today’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.

Retail NZ calls for wage subsidy for regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle

27 February 2023

A Retail NZ survey shows significant Government support is required for retailers because of the economic scars caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Retailers’ voices show impact of Minimum Wage increase

10 February 2023

A snap poll from Retail NZ shows the true impact the increase in Minimum Wage has on the retail sector.

Government goes too far with Minimum Wage increase

8 February 2023

Retail NZ is disappointed with the Government’s decision to increase the Minimum Wage.

Retail:Tech 2023 – Imagine the Future in Auckland this May

24 January 2023

Retail NZ has announced that it will be hosting Retail:Tech 2023 – Imagine the Future in May this year, focusing on the future of technology in retail and how retailers can integrate it in their businesses.

Christmas produces mixed results with prices increases outside of retailer’s control

19 January 2023

The typically busy Christmas peak has produced mixed results for retailers, with most failing to hit targets and inflationary pressure continuing, according to the latest Retail Radar report by Retail NZ.

Positive step for retail crime – but more still needs to be done

28 November 2022

Retail NZ says that the Government has taken a positive step today to address retail crime but there is a lot more that needs to happen.

New Retail NZ President and Vice President elected

25 November 2022

Liz Wheadon, the General Manager of Glengarry Wines, has been elected as the President of Retail NZ. Liz is joined by the newly elected Vice President Jules Lloyd-Jones the Chief Marketing Office for Mitre 10.

Minor improvements in retail outlook but inflationary pressures remain

9 October 2022

The latest Retail Radar report from Retail NZ shows that inflationary pressures will continue with a further 5 percent increase expected in prices in the next three months, with the influences behind price increases measured for the first time.

Retail NZ calls for Government to ditch so-called “Fair Pay Agreements bill”

6 October 2022

Retail NZ says it is disappointed that the Government is proceeding with its proposed “Fair Pay” legislation, which has been reported back to the House of Representatives from Select Committee today.

Retail NZ welcomes return to normality, asks Kiwis to Shop Nice

12 September 2022

Retail NZ has welcomed today’s decision by the Government to move New Zealand into a sense of normality by removing the vast majority of COVID-19 rules and to manage the pandemic through a revised approach.

Retail NZ welcomes practical policies for retail crime

16 August 2022

Retail NZ welcomes two policy initiatives from the ACT Party Law and Order policy document to combat retail crime – infringement notices and three strikes for burglary.

Retail NZ welcomes return of cruise ships

12 August 2022

Retail NZ has welcomed the return of cruise ships to New Zealand for the first time since COVID-19.

Inflationary pressures to continue for retailers

8 July 2022

The Quarter 2 Retail Radar report from Retail NZ shows that rising operating costs like wages and freight, staff shortages and lack of foot traffic are the key pressure points on retailers.

Retail NZ calls on MPs to vote restricted trading Bill through first reading

28 June 2022

According to Retail NZ, ACT MP Chris Baillie’s Member’s Bill on repealing Easter shopping restrictions should be voted through at first reading so we can have the debate on retailers having the choice to open or not over Easter.

Mask use dropping off a cliff – Time to review the rules

26 June 2022

Retail NZ says that mask use by customers has fallen dramatically, and it’s time that we move forward and remove mandatory mask requirements in retail.

“Fair Pay” agreements will drive price increases and not supported by retail sector or New Zealanders

22 June 2022

Retail NZ has today highlighted the key impacts of the proposed Fair Pay Agreement Bill in an appearance before Select Committee.

Retail wages continue to increase

21 June 2022

According to the 2022 Retail NZ Wages Guide the average hourly retail wage has risen 6.4 per cent to $26.65 in 2022.

Retail NZ welcomes further government support to combat retail crime

26 May 2022

Retail NZ welcomes today’s announcement of a Government funding package to support retailers in response to retail crime.

Retail NZ welcomes pre-budget law and order announcement

8 May 2022

Today’s pre-budget law and order announcement that includes support for the retail sector has been welcomed by Retail NZ.

New mask rules nonsensical – Retail NZ

13 April 2022

Retail NZ says that the new rules around mask wearing make no sense.

Costs and inflation increasing at rapid rate, whilst retailer confidence continues to slump

7 April 2022

The latest Retail NZ Retail Radar report of the retail sector shows that the widespread emergence of Omicron in the community has seen retailers miss targets, dissatisfaction with the Government’s response to COVID-19 remains steady and 90 per cent of retailers expect prices to rise by 7.5 per cent on average over the next three months.

So-called “Fair Pay agreements” will drive unfair price rises

29 March 2022

The Fair Pay Agreement Act announced today will drive up consumer costs if implemented.

Mask rules need urgent attention

23 March 2022

Retail NZ has welcomed news that vaccine passes and QR code scanning will no longer be required in cafés and close personal services like hairdressers and beauty services from but says that the Government urgently needs to act on mask rules.

Retailers require significant support to survive

16 February 2022

Sales, foot traffic and confidence has taken a dive in the retail sector, with the sector requesting urgent Government support.

Minimum Wage announcement putting jobs at risk

11 February 2022

The significant increase in the Minimum Wage has been badly received by the retail sector, with 84 per cent of retailers disapproving of the announcement, according to a snap poll of Retail NZ members.

It’s time for Wellington retailers to be supported

10 February 2022

The ongoing disruption caused by the protest in Wellington must be brought to an end quickly to support retailers and business across the city.

Retail Radar shows significant price increases on the horizon

27 January 2022

Retail NZ has today released its quarterly Retail Radar report, showing that the retail sector will increase prices, supply chain impacts and dissatisfaction with the government approach to COVID-19 continues.

Shop normal as we move to Red tonight

23 January 2022

As New Zealand moves to Red Status tonight, Retail NZ says that the retail sector has been preparing for the arrival of Omicron, but is asking Kiwis to shop normal in the coming days and weeks.

Retail sector prepares for Omicron – things Kiwis need to know

19 January 2022

Retailers across the country are taking proactive steps to prepare for the arrival of Omicron in the community and asking Kiwis to understand that services levels may change as a result.

Retail NZ calls on New Zealand to Shop Nice

18 December 2021

Shop Nice is a public awareness campaign launched by Retail NZ to support retail workers in light of increasing levels of abuse, aggression and violence from the New Zealand Public.

Businesses looking ahead to Roadmap Step 3

8 November 2021

It’s good news that the Government has confirmed most retail stores in Auckland will be allowed to open from Wednesday, and that a further review will happen next week.

Please treat retail workers with respect – Declaration on Violence & Anti-social Behaviour

8 November 2021

Retailers throughout the country have come together today at the Retail NZ Summit on Violence and Anti-social behaviour in Parliament’s Grand Hall to signify their commitment to keep their employees and contractors safe.

Relief for retailers but hard road ahead

1 November 2021

It’s good news that the Government is moving to allow retail stores in the Waikato to open from midnight tomorrow, and Auckland from next Tuesday, but there’s a hard road ahead for many retail businesses.

Let’s get stores open – Retail NZ plea to Government

31 October 2021

Retail NZ is asking the Government to move to Step 2 of the Auckland Roadmap this week, and to get stores in Auckland and the Waikato open, subject to safety measures.

Select Committee backs Retail NZ and ditches discriminatory and costly bill

28 October 2021

Retail NZ commends the Education and Workforce Select Committee report recommending that the Holidays (Parent-Teacher Interview Leave) Amendment Bill does not proceed.

Great news for retailers in Government rent relief decisions

27 October 2021

Retail NZ is welcoming the changes announced by the Government today on rent relief support measures currently before the House of Representatives.

The Green Party stands up for retailers and hospitality businesses around the country

27 October 2021

We welcome the support of the Green Party, which enables tenants and landlords to negotiate adjustments in rent due during Levels 3 and 4.

Greater clarity on vaccination good for retailers

26 October 2021

Most retailers will be pleased that the Government is providing more certainty to businesses.

Some good news for retail in COVID announcements, but firm dates needed

22 October 2021

Retail will be able to open at all stages of the new “Covid Protection Framework”. But we need a firm transition date.

Golden Mile announcement fails to consider key stakeholders

20 October 2021

Progress Wellington welcome further detailed conversation with LGWM on how the changes will impact Golden Mile businesses.

Extension of Level 3 heartbreaking for retailers

18 October 2021

Aside from financial support, a clear commitment to dates for allowing businesses to re-open is important.

Further Level 3 extension devastating for retailers

8 October 2021

The spread of Level 3 lockdowns is devastating news for Northland and Waikato retailers, and is causing huge concern for retailers around NZ.

Retail business on a knife-edge as sales and confidence plummet – Government must act

6 October 2021

The past three months have been tough, and the outlook is not much better for retailers according to Retail NZ’s latest Retail Radar report.

Good news in Govt immigration decision

30 September 2021

Retail NZ says it’s good news that the Government has moved to create a residency pathway for workers on temporary visas.

Surprises for retail & hospitality sectors in Government announcements

28 September 2021

Retail NZ and Hospitality NZ say they have concerns about the Government’s request for retail workers to get COVID-19 tests, and the Ministerial announcement about rent relief for future COVID-19 lockdowns.

Level 4 extension devastating for Auckland retailers

13 September 2021

Retail NZ says that the extension to the Level 4 lockdown in the Auckland region is devastating news for retailers and other businesses trying to survive the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hey kiwis – support your local retailers by wearing a mask

10 September 2021

Retail NZ has launched a public awareness campaign to encourage kiwis to ensure they wear a mask while in retail stores.

Parent-Teacher Interview Leave Bill discriminatory and should be ditched

1 September 2021

Appearing before Select Committee today, Retail NZ said the proposed Holidays (Parent-Teacher Interview Leave) Amendment Bill should be ditched because it would discriminate against some employees based on their family status, and impose significant costs on employers.

Inflation numbers unsurprising

16 July 2021

Retail NZ is not surprised that there has been a substantial 3.3 per cent increase in the Consumer Price Index over the past year. Evidently, retailers are expecting price rises to come over the next few months.

Price pressure looming while spending remains strong

1 July 2021

More than two-thirds of Retail NZ members are expecting prices to rise over the next quarter. This is on the back of increased costs, according to our latest Retail Radar report.

Kiwi shopping habits driven by desire to live more sustainably

29 June 2021

New research shows that 86 per cent of Kiwis are prepared to change their shopping habits, in order to be more sustainable.

Retail NZ encourages Wellingtonians’ compliance during Alert Level 2

23 June 2021

With the Government’s announcement of Wellington entering Alert Level 2, Retail NZ is encouraging compliance. And for Wellingtonians to shop local!

Retail wages continue to rise

23 June 2021

The average wage in retail has climbed 6.1 per cent nationally in the last year. It now sits at $25.05 nationally, according to Retail NZ’s latest Wages Guide.

Bad news for retailers in Let’s Get Wellington Moving decision

16 June 2021

Retail NZ says that it’s disappointing news for struggling retailers, that private vehicles will be banned from Wellington’s Golden Mile.

Retail sales remain buoyant but pressures remain

2 June 2021
Retail sales remained buoyant through May according to the latest Retail NZ Sales Index, but there continue to be real pressures on retailers.

Retail NZ welcomes decisive steps to bring Merchant Service Fees down

12 May 2021
Retail NZ has welcomed Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Hon. David Clark’s announcement today that the Government will move to regulate merchant service fees, which retailers pay when customers use credit or contactless debit cards.

“Fair pay” will add complexity, cost, and mean fewer opportunities

7 May 2021
Retail NZ says the Government’s proposed “fair pay” system will be hugely complicated, drive significant costs for business, and lead to reduced employment opportunities in the retail sector.

Inflationary pressure building despite strong March for retailers

5 April 2021
Average retail spending per site at Retail NZ members was up 29.8 per cent in March compared to last year, but the results are uneven across the sector, and inflationary pressures are building, according to Retail NZ’s latest Retail Radar report.

Council hypocrisy in Easter Sunday trading bans

4 April 2021
With more than two-thirds of councils having decided to allow Easter Sunday shopping in their districts over the past couple of years, Retail NZ is calling on councils in the main centres to follow suit.

Retailers hit by COVID lockdowns

10 March 2021
While average retail spending remained relatively strong in February, a new Retail Radar report by Retail NZ shows that the second lockdown in Auckland from 28 February has significantly impacted by the retail sector.

Retail NZ welcomes Alert Level move

5 March 2021
Retail NZ says it’s good news for the retail sector that Auckland is moving back to Alert Level 2 from Sunday morning, and the rest of the country is moving back to Level 1.

Retail NZ welcomes Government move on card fees

10 December 2020
Retail NZ says it’s great news that the Government is moving ahead with plans to regulate credit and contactless debit card fees.

Strong retail sales in November on back of Singles Day, Black Friday and Cyber-Monday

1 December 2020
The latest Retail NZ Sales Index, shows that spending through November remained strong, and that total spending since March is now ahead of last year.

10-day sick leave plan will disadvantage part-time workers

30 November 2020
Retail NZ says that the Government’s announcement that it is proceeding with a blanket increase to 10 days paid sick leave is bad news for those who work part time.

Staff should stay home while sick or awaiting COVID test results

12 November 2020
Retail NZ says it is concerned by media reports that a retail sector employee was asked to work while supposed to be in isolation.

Retail sales catching up but pre-xmas challenges remain

2 November 2020
The latest Retail NZ Sales Index reports strong spending through October, and that total spending since March is now running slightly ahead of last year.

Retail sales and confidence rebound after second lockdown lifts

2 October 2020
A new Retail NZ Retail Radar report show retailer sales have improved in through September as the second wave of COVID-19 restrictions lifted.

Retailer confidence falls in August

2 September 2020
The latest Retail NZ Retail Radar report shows that retailer confidence fell significantly on the back of the Level 3 lockdown in Auckland during August.

Retail NZ welcomes Wage Subsidy but more support required

14 August 2020
Retail NZ says it is good news that the Government is extending the Wage Subsidy across the country, but says more support is required to help businesses manage fixed costs.

Return to Level 3 lockdown bad news for retailers but no need to panic buy

11 August 2020
Retail NZ says the return of COVID-19 is bad news for a struggling sector, but is urging customers not to panic buy.

Retailer confidence improves, but real challenges for some – new report

6 August 2020
Retailer confidence remained positive in July, building on the strong rebound recorded in June after lockdown was lifted.

Retail NZ welcomes Visa and Mastercard interchange moves

3 August 2020
Retail NZ says it welcomes moves by Visa and Mastercard to reduce interchange rates, and says this should lead to lower merchant fees for contactless debit transactions.

Retailer confidence improves

7 July 2020
Retailer confidence has shown a significant improvement according to the latest Retail NZ Retail Radar report.

Please be kind to business – Retail NZ urges PM

9 June 2020
Retail NZ is calling for the Prime Minister to be kind, after reports that she is ‘angry’ that the Warehouse Group is undertaking a change process that could result in a substantial number of job losses.

Retail NZ welcomes move to Level 1

8 June 2020
Retail NZ says that the move to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 from midnight tonight is great news.

Rent relief action a good start but needs to go further

4 June 2020
Retail NZ says it is good news that the Government is moving to support arbitration on commercial tenancies, but it is disappointed the action isn’t going further.

Survival of many retailers at risk

4 June 2020
Retailers are continuing to face severe pressures as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and there are real questions about the long-term survival of many retail businesses, according to the latest Retail NZ Retail Radar report.

Retail opens again – contact tracing not required when social distancing maintained

14 May 2020
The retail sector is open again, but businesses are not required to contact trace their customers if two metre social distancing can be maintained.

Great news for retailers and customers in Level 2 announcement

11 May 2020
Retail NZ says it is great news that retail stores and malls will be able to open again from this Thursday.

New statistics show economic carnage in retail sector at Level 3

4 May 2020
The latest Retail NZ Sales Index shows that sales during April were down 79.8 per cent on the previous year, and a survey of retailers suggests that things are no better under the Alert Level 3 restrictions.

Business and industry groups present united front on commercial leases – request support to bring landlords to the negotiating table

24 April 2020
Eight industry groups representing business have joined forces to call on the Government to urgently increase protection for commercial tenants in the face of rents that are now completely unaffordable under the COVID-19 lockdown and now pose a serious threat of causing business failures and job losses.

Plea for safe shopping at Level 3

23 April 2020
Retail NZ is asking the Government to allow safe shopping in-store when the nation moves to Alert Level 3 next week.

Good news for economy in Level 3 restrictions

16 April 2020
It is good news for the economy and for consumers that more retailing will be permitted when we move to level three, according to Retail NZ.

Retail NZ welcomes increase in contactless limit

9 April 2020
Retail NZ says it welcomes news that the limit for contactless payments has been temporarily lifted to $200 in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

Retail NZ welcomes greater clarity on essential services

24 March 2020
Retail NZ says it welcomes tonight’s announcement by Government of further information about what retail stores are considered essential.

Urgent clarity required on essential retail services

23 March 2020
Retail NZ says the Government needs to provide urgent clarity on what are “essential retail services” following today’s announcement that non-essential stores will be required to close within 48 hours.

Landlords need to work with retail tenants through crisis

23 March 2020
Retail NZ is applauding those landlords who are working with tenants to help them through the current COVID-19 crisis, but warns that landlords who aren’t prepared to review rental terms will push struggling retail businesses into insolvency.

Broad range of retailers providing essential goods

21 March 2020
Retail NZ is urging the Government to consider the broad range of retailers who provide essential goods to help Kiwis get through the disruption of the COVID-19 crisis.

Government support package a good place to start

17 March 2020
Retail NZ welcomes Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s announcement today of a support package as a good starting point, however, the support doesn’t go far enough for some retail businesses.

Retailers under COVID-19 pressure as Retail NZ welcomes Government support announcement

9 March 2020
Retail NZ says that the retail sector is under immense pressure as a result of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, and that it welcomes today’s announcement of a Business Continuity Package by the Government.

Retail NZ welcomes extension of fog device funding

6 March 2020
Retail NZ says it welcomes an announcement by Police Minister Stuart Nash that the Government is providing $1.9 million in additional funding to support the installation of fog devices in retail stores that are at-risk of robbery.

Coronavirus impacts spread unevenly in retail

10 February 2020
The majority of Retail NZ members report that, to date, the Coronavirus has had little immediate impact on their businesses, although some have been impacted significantly, and there are medium-term concerns about supply chains.

Challenging times continue for retailers

24 January 2020
The latest Retail NZ Retail Radar Report shows that despite the busy Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day sales periods, a significant number of retailers did not hit their sales targets for the quarter ended 31 December.

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