Consumer spending across New Zealand nudged up again in August, with Worldline NZ figures showing $3.77B spent through Core Retail merchants, a 2% rise on the same month last year.

It’s the fifth straight month of modest annual growth.

Worldline’s Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says the lift is welcome but still patchy.

“The growth is low, but it is at least positive overall,” he said, noting much of the increase comes from higher food prices and a slight pickup in regional spending outside the big cities.

The real test, Proffit adds, will come in spring and summer as interest rates ease and international tourism continues to rebound.

Housing-related retailers like hardware, furniture and appliance stores remain down 4.9% on last year, while hospitality managed only a 0.5% lift.

For Hibiscus Coast businesses, that means the busy months ahead will be closely watched.

Lower rates could boost big-ticket sales, while more tourists would be a welcome lift for local cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers.

With Christmas trading around the corner, many Coast retailers will be hoping the numbers start to move in the right direction.

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