23 February 2026

An increase in retail sales in the December 2025 quarter shows there’s been some positive growth for retailers after years of struggle, says Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young. 

The latest Retail Trade Survey by Stats NZ shows the total value of core retail sales for the December 2025 quarter was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter in 2024, to $27 billion. 

“It is heartening to see the value of retail sales moving in the right direction, and that it is now beginning to outpace inflation,” Carolyn Young says. 

“Pharmaceuticals and other store-based retailing experienced a big jump, which may have been buoyed by the increasing presence of big box pharmacies. This market segment also includes souvenir shops and stationery stores where the holiday spending period was likely a Factor,” Ms Young says. 

“There was also a boost in sales of electronic goods, which is a market segment that dominates the Black Friday sales period at the end of November.” 

However, the data shows stock values for core retail industries were down 0.5 percent compared to the previous year.  

“While the decrease in stock values was just half a percent, it reflects what we are hearing from our members, that retailers are adjusting their stock levels and softening their sales targets to reflect the restrained levels of consumer spending,” Ms Young says. 

“It’s been a particularly difficult year for apparel, with this data showing stock values down 4.9% for the clothing, footwear and accessories segment of the market. They will be hoping that 2026 will provide a much-needed turnaround in fortune.”

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

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