September’s usual lift in retail spending has yet to appear, with new data from Worldline NZ showing a cautious start to the final quarter of 2025.

Core retail spending reached $3.65 billion last month, up just 1.1% on September 2024 once network changes were adjusted.

But that small rise hides weakness underneath.

Housing-related spending, including hardware, furniture and appliance stores, fell 7%, while hospitality was down 1.9%.

Both sectors normally build momentum before Christmas, but not this time.

Worldline NZ Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says the mild uptick is positive but not convincing.

“Kiwi consumers typically step up their spending in each of the last four months of the year, but we can report what is not happening yet,” he said.

He noted that lower interest rates have not yet encouraged extra household spending.

The usual pre-Christmas lift in hospitality is also missing.

“Weak hospitality spending over the month, including in the last few days of September, suggests tourists will be welcomed more than usual by hospitality merchants this year,” Proffit said.

For Hibiscus Coast retailers, especially in dining and home improvement, the results point to a slower start to spring trading.

With tourism spending still to arrive, local cafes, restaurants and tradie suppliers may have to wait a bit longer for the boost they’re hoping for.

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