Retail in Asia

In Markets

New Zealand card spending rises in May

Retail spending using electronic cards increased by 1.3 percent in May 2014, Statistics New Zealand reported.

"Spending rose in all six retail industries during May, the first time this has occurred since October 2013," Business Indicators Manager Neil Kelly said.

Fuel and consumables had the largest rises of the retail industries. Spending on fuel was up 2.8 percent, while consumables spending increased 1.1 percent.

Core retail spending (which excludes the vehicle-related industries) rose 1.0 percent in May 2014. Spending also rose for the two non-retail industries (services and non-retail) in May, resulting in a 1.7 percent rise in the total value of transactions.