Retail spending using electronic cards was flat in March 2014, Statistics New Zealand said in a recent report.
When adjusted for seasonal effects, total retail spending was unchanged this month, following a 0.8 percent increase in February 2014.
"Spending rose in three retail industries during March and fell in three," business indicators manager Neil Kelly said. "Fuel had a large fall for the second consecutive month, while consumables had the largest increase."
The three largest retail movements in March 2014 were: fuel, down 1.7 percent ($13 million); apparel, down 2.4 percent ($7 million); and consumables, up 0.4 percent ($6 million). Core retail (which excludes the motor vehicle-related industries) was also flat, rising 0.1 percent in March 2014.
The total value of electronic card spending fell 0.2 percent.
(Source: Retail In Asia)