Our take on the latest Retail trade survey (Mon 24 Aug 2020)
Retail volumes down 9.5%pa
Supermarket and liquor spending both up 17%pa
Spending on accommodation down 21%pa
The key numbers...
- Retail trade volumes were down 9.5%pa in the June quarter, the largest fall on record.
- Supermarket spending jumped 17%pa, as did liquor spending; non-store retailing grew 11%pa, with these categories being the most accessible during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4.
- Spending on accommodation fell 21%pa; clothing, footwear, and accessories spending dropped 18%pa; and spending on food and beverage services fell 15%pa, as activity in these segments was severely constrained.
- For the same reasons, motor vehicles and parts retailing declined 17%pa.
Winners and Losers
Retail Spending by Category - June 2020 quarter (% change from June 2019 quarter)
...and our reaction
- Supermarket spending, the largest component of retail spending, more than doubled its growth rate from the March quarter, which was already a record.
- Non-store and commission-based retailing grew 11%pa, showing a boost in online retailing due to restricted access to brick-and-mortar stores.
- Spending on electrical and electronic goods increased 9.6%pa, with this sector also benefiting from increased online retail activity.
- Spending on accommodation and food and beverage services will remain constrained in light of the continued border closure and absence of international tourists.
- The extension of Auckland’s Level 3 lockdown, and the Level 2 restrictions for the rest of the country until at least September 6, will add to the burden on the retail sector.
Latest updates
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Retail trade survey
Anxious consumers pull back on discretionary spending
Fri 22 May 2026
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1.0% Core retail sales volumes in the March 2026 quarter (seas. adj.)8 of 13 core industries recorded quarterly rises (seas. adj.)-4.8% Clothing, footwear in the March 2026 quarter (seas. adj.)Premium
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Retail spending continues to strengthen
Mon 23 Feb 2026
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1.5% Core retail sales volumes in December (seas. adj.)11 of 13 core industries recorded quarterly rises (seas. adj.)South Island continues to lead the recoveryRetail trade survey
Retail spending recovery gaining traction
Thu 27 Nov 2025
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Core retail sales volumes up 1.2% in September (seas. adj.)
Seven of 13 core industries saw quarterly rises (seas. adj.)North Island growth starting to follow the South’s leadRetail trade survey
Retail spending continues to recover, slowly
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Quarterly
Core retail sales volumes up 0.5% in June (seas. adj.)Eight of 13 core industries saw quarterly rises (seas. adj.)Spending growth across country, led by the south