Retail Sales in New Zealand increased 0.70 percent in the first quarter of 2025 over the same quarter in the previous year. This dataset provides - New Zealand Retail Sales YoY - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about New Zealand Retail Sales Growth

• New Zealand Retail Sales grew 0.4 % YoY in Dec 2024, compared with a 2.7 % decrease in the previous quarter.
• New Zealand Retail Sales Growth YoY data is updated quarterly, available from Sep 1996 to Dec 2024, with an average growth rate of 4.4 %.
• The data reached an all-time high of 33.5 % in Jun 2021 and a record low of -14.7 % in Jun 2020.
• In the latest reports, Car Sales of New Zealand recorded 129,028.0 units in Dec 2024, representing a drop of 13.6 %.

Retail Sales in New Zealand increased 0.80 percent in the first quarter of 2025 over the previous quarter. This dataset provides - New Zealand Retail Sales MoM - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In the first quarter of 2025, the sales value in the supermarket and grocery stores retail industry rose to over **** billion New Zealand dollars, marking a rise from the previous quarter and the highest sales value within the given period. Since the second quarter of 2022, the country’s supermarket and grocery retail sales value has been on an upward trend.

Unpredictable trading conditions have challenged the Department Stores industry over the past few years. Retailers’ revenue hiked in 2020-21 thanks to solid consumer spending on discretionary items, including expensive items like furniture. Government stimulus expanded real household discretionary income, encouraging consumer spending. However, the end of pandemic-related government support has weakened real household discretionary income and consumer sentiment, which has tightened consumers’ budgets for non-essential items sold at department stores in recent years. High inflation has also pressured department stores. A few enterprises entered the industry when business confidence heightened in 2021-22 and 2023-24. However, existing companies, including well-established players, have downsized floor space, reduced store numbers or opted to permanently leave the industry in recent years amid high inflation. These cost-saving strategies have fundamentally shrunk the industry’s size, with declines in profit and wages echoing this trend. Department stores have suffered from reduced consumer spending, which has harmed revenue, contributing to an expected 3.0% fall through the end of 2025-26, to an estimated $6.1 billion. Department stores have faced intense competition from online-only and specialty retailers offering affordable prices or unique products. An emerging consumer preference for personalised experiences has challenged department stores as many have shown strength in providing various products to broad consumer groups. Department stores’ income is projected to drop 2.9% in 2025-26. In response, department stores have been improving operational efficiencies, which include closing unprofitable stores and consolidating operations. Department stores have adopted data-driven technologies and omnichannel strategies to strengthen digital selling amid consumers’ growing online shopping habits. These measures have elevated profitability in recent years. Revenue is forecast to rise by an annualised0.4%, totalling $6.3 billion, through the end of 2030-31. A projected climb in real household discretionary income and consumer sentiment are forecast to stimulate consumer spending in department stores. Still, department stores will face fierce internal and external competition from specialty retailers, including apparel, furniture, sporting goods and electronics stores. Department stores that attract consumer interest through an expanded social media presence and strong multi-channel strategies can strengthen customer engagement and sales.

In 2022, Mitre 10 was the leading DIY retailer in the New Zealand market, with a market share of roughly ** percent. Established in the 1970s, Mitre 10 is a home improvement store chain selling a variety of household hardware, building supplies, garden products, appliances, and camping equipment. Placemakers, owned by Fletcher Distribution, took the next largest share of New Zealand's DIY retail market that year at ** percent.

New Zealand supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores derive stable revenue from sales of essential items like bread, milk, fresh produce and household staples, shielding them from significant downturns. The pandemic briefly spurred stockpiling, but inflationary pressures in 2022–23 forced operators to adopt new discounting strategies, especially as rising costs couldn’t always be passed on to budget-conscious shoppers. Demand shifted to private-label products, reflecting consumers’ desire for cost-effective alternatives. While staples continue to anchor demand, these pressures have contributed to an overall decline in industry revenue. Even so, industry retailers still hold an advantage over non-essential retailers by offering core goods that remain indispensable in the consumer basket. Revenue is expected to have crept downwards at an annualised 0.2% over the five years through 2025-26, including an anticipated 0.3% dip in 2025-26, to total $27.3 billion. The industry is highly concentrated, with Foodstuffs and Woolworths earning about 80% of revenue. Fierce rivalry, rising supplier costs and cautious consumer behaviour have eroded industry profitability, though cost-of-living pressures have increased private-label sales. In 2024, both major players faced higher operating expenses, narrower profitability and mounting logistic challenges linked to inflation. To regain momentum in 2025, operators are looking to streamline costs through supply chain automation and by broadening their private-label offerings, reflecting an ongoing effort to balance aggressive pricing strategies with sustainable margins in a challenging retail environment. As sentiment remains below pre-pandemic levels, supermarkets are projected to emphasise essentials and mid-range goods while selectively enhancing premium ranges. Private-label products will continue to gain traction as in-house production helps contain costs and boost margins. Online shopping is poised to become more prominent through improved apps, personalised promotions and streamlined logistics, though heightened overhead costs may erode profitability if unmanaged. Operators that use data analytics effectively will tailor supply chains, maintain loyalty and capture untapped demand. Over the next five years, this integrated approach, combining private labels and strong digital channels, is set to shape the industry’s profitability and consumer engagement. Revenue is forecast to climb at an annualised 1.5% over the five years through 2030-31 to $29.4 billion.

In a 2018 survey of New Zealand retailers, 39 percent of respondents said they expected prices to increase in the next three months. By comparison, just over half said they thought there would be no change.

The New Zealand market for graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in sheets declined markedly to $19M in 2024, with a decrease of -38.1% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption showed a deep slump.

Fuel retailers have faced challenging operating conditions in recent years, with volatility in the world price of crude oil significantly affecting fuel prices, industry revenue and profitability. Retail petrol prices have reflected rising oil prices, with petrol prices across New Zealand rising from 215.4 cents per litre in 2019-20 to an expected 246.6 cents per litre in 2024-25. This rise comes despite global oil prices falling sharply in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand from the global manufacturing and aviation sectors crashed. Fuel retailing revenue plummeted in 2020-21 as the Central Government (Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa) introduced restrictions to limit the pandemic's spread. Demand conditions have since recovered, while the Russia-Ukraine war has caused oil prices to soar, driving a rebound in industry revenue over the two years through 2022-23. Overall, revenue has contracted at an annualised 1.5% to an anticipated $10.1 billion over the five years through 2024-25. This includes an expected decline of 1.8% in 2024-25, as world crude oil prices continue to correct downwards, causing declines in retail fuel prices. Retailers have largely passed on heightened crude oil prices, leading to steady margins. The industry's competitive landscape has changed significantly over the past decade. Industry participation has fallen, and merger and acquisition activity among the industry's larger players has increased as they've sought to consolidate their market positions. Foreign ownership is also on the rise. In October 2021, Ampol Limited announced plans to purchase Z Energy for $2.0 billion. The transaction was completed in May 2022 to make Ampol the industry's largest player. The world price of crude oil is set to remain elevated over the coming years, although retail prices should moderate as supply chain issues ease, limiting revenue growth. Fuel retailers will benefit from ongoing growth in tourism activity over the coming years. Even so, continued growth in electric vehicle uptake is set to increasingly constrain demand for fuel. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to climb at an annualised 0.9% through 2029-30, to $10.6 billion.

The New Zealand peanut butter market skyrocketed to $21M in 2024, rising by 21% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Peanut butter consumption peaked at $22M in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The Online Shopping industry has experienced growth, driven by rising internet penetration, higher discretionary incomes and evolving consumer preferences. More consumers, especially those aged 35 to 54, are shopping online, expanding online retailers' customer base. The increasing adoption of mobile commerce has also fuelled growth, with 80.0% of online shoppers using mobile devices to browse and purchase. Fashion has been a standout product segment, benefiting from climbing incomes and strong social media influence. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have enhanced the online shopping experience through personalised recommendations, chatbots and streamlined logistics that support online retailers' profit gain. The decline of department stores has accelerated as consumers favour online retailers for their convenience, competitive pricing and variety. Sustainability has also emerged as a key trend, with eco-conscious consumers driving demand for ethically sourced products, sustainable packaging and resale platforms. These shifts have reinforced the industry's growth despite rising operational costs and supply chain disruptions. Industry revenue is anticipated to climb at an annualised rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching $6.8 billion. This projection includes an estimated revenue boost of 7.7% in 2024-25. The Online Shopping industry is poised for continued expansion, supported by increasing consumer confidence, ongoing technological advancements and the growth of innovative retail models. As consumer sentiment improves, shoppers are set to spend more on discretionary purchases, boosting sales across non-essential categories like fashion, beauty and electronics. Subscription services, social commerce and personalised shopping experiences will also enhance customer engagement and drive long-term growth. The online fashion segment will thrive as personalised beauty products and influencer-driven marketing become more popular. Also, the industry is set to attract new online sellers and generate more employment opportunities, fuelled by the success of digital retail platforms. However, challenges like fluctuating currency values, rising international shipping costs and intensifying competition may influence revenue. Sustainability will continue shaping consumer choices, with businesses investing in greener supply chains, ethical sourcing and circular economy initiatives to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers. As the industry evolves, online retailers that leverage technology, innovation and consumer insights will be best positioned for sustained success. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to expand by 1.6% through 2029-30 to reach $7.4 billion.

New Zealand Business Outlook Survey: Retail: Inflation Expectations data was reported at 2.180 NA in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.160 NA for May 2018. New Zealand Business Outlook Survey: Retail: Inflation Expectations data is updated monthly, averaging 2.630 NA from Feb 1991 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 302 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.140 NA in Feb 1991 and a record low of 1.350 NA in Mar 2016. New Zealand Business Outlook Survey: Retail: Inflation Expectations data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by ANZ Bank New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.S013: Business Outlook Survey.

In New Zealand, the estimated sales amount across various store categories provides key insights into the market's dynamics. Apparel, as a prominent category, generates significant sales, totaling $46.26B, which is 63.38% of the region's total sales in this sector. Food & Drink follows with robust sales figures, achieving $15.15B in sales and comprising 20.75% of the region's total. Unknown contributes a considerable amount to the regional market, with sales of $4.57B, accounting for 6.26% of the total sales in New Zealand. This breakdown highlights the varying economic impacts of different categories within the region, showcasing the diversity and strengths of each sector.

The Apparel eCommerce market in New Zealand is predicted to reach US$464.1m revenue by 2025. The top online retailers in the market are shein.com, farmers.co.nz and jgl.co.nz.

The Stationery Goods Retailing industry in New Zealand has been adversely affected by technological advancements, the global pandemic and rising competition from online retailers. Online learning solutions and increasing usage of laptops and tablets in schools have severely hindered stationery product demand, causing a long-term decline in industry revenue. The shift to remote working and virtual meetings during the pandemic, coupled with growing dependency on cloud-based online storage platforms, has suppressed the need for paper-based stationery in the corporate world. In the past five years, the industry has experienced a noticeable contraction in revenue due to increased competition from online retailers. Small stationery retailers have been forced out of the industry, allowing larger merchants to expand their market share. High inflation and a depreciating New Zealand Dollar have increased the cost of imported stock. The effect of increased costs and declining revenue has severely impacted profitability, forcing businesses to keep prices constant to maintain market shares. Revenue is set to decline by an annualised 9.8% through the end of 2024-25, to $401.7 million. A decline in real household discretionary income is expected to push revenue down by 1.1% in 2024-25. The industry is set to navigate numerous changes in the coming years. Despite the transition to online solutions, there persists a solid underlying demand for essential stationery goods, particularly among primary and secondary students. As the population of students aged 14 and under in New Zealand increases over the next five years, retailers will look to capitalise on this growing market. Concurrently, art supply sales are expected to constitute a more significant revenue portion as corporate demand for paper-based products subsides. However, as online competition surges, the industry will see market share concentration grow, forcing smaller businesses to close or shift to online platforms. This shift will lower employment and wage costs. Revenue is set to climb by an annualised 1.0% through the end of 2029-30, to $422.5 million.

The Furniture & Homeware eCommerce market in New Zealand is predicted to reach US$469.8m revenue by 2025. The top online retailers in the market are woolworths.co.nz, briscoes.co.nz and kmart.co.nz.

In New Zealand, the distribution of stores across different platforms presents a dynamic picture of the market. Shopify, as a leading platform, hosts 26.28K stores, accounting for 42.85% of the total store count in the region. This is closely followed by WooCommerce, which supports 14.52K stores, representing 23.66% of the region's total. Custom Cart makes a significant contribution with 7.02K stores, or 11.44% of the total. The chart underscores the diversity and preferences of store owners in New Zealand regarding their choice of platform.

New Zealand's e-commerce market is poised for significant expansion between 2024 and 2029, driven by growing consumer enjoyment of online shopping. By 2029, the country’s e-commerce revenue is projected to reach over *** billion U.S. dollars, marking an increase of around *** billion dollars from 2024. Popular e-commerce categories: from fashion to furniture Across New Zealand’s various e-commerce segments, fashion stands out as the top revenue producer. In 2024, the fashion segment contributed approximately *** billion U.S. dollars to the country’s e-commerce market revenue. This trend is likely to continue, with the fashion segment forecast to maintain its leading position across New Zealand’s e-commerce segments. Electronics and furniture items were the next most prevalent categories that year. Which online marketplaces are the favorites among New Zealand’s shoppers? Local platform Trade Me leads the pack with the highest gross merchandise value across leading marketplaces operating in New Zealand, amounting to around **** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. The platform also dominates in terms of online marketplace site visits, recording almost **** million visits in February 2025, significantly outperforming its closest competitor, AliExpress. While local retailers continue to dominate New Zealand’s online transactions, Chinese online-only marketplace Temu has also become a rising player in the country’s e-commerce market due to its highly discounted products. Although tech giant Amazon appeals to New Zealand’s online shoppers, compared to Trade Me, AliExpress, and Temu’s popularity, and Amazon’s dominance in other countries, its limited presence and warehouse infrastructure have stifled its broader adoption in the country.

The New Zealand data center cooling market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, big data analytics, and the expanding digital economy. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.60% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a significant expansion, and this upward trajectory is expected to continue through 2033. Key drivers include the rising demand for higher computing power, stricter regulatory compliance regarding data center energy efficiency, and a growing need for reliable cooling solutions to prevent equipment failures and downtime. The market is segmented by cooling technology (air-based and liquid-based), deployment type (hyperscalers, enterprises, colocation), and end-user industry (IT and Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, etc.). While precise market size figures for New Zealand are not provided, leveraging the global CAGR of 10.60% and considering New Zealand's relatively small but growing IT sector, we can estimate a 2025 market size of approximately $50 million (NZD), projected to reach approximately $130 million by 2033. This estimate incorporates factors like increasing data center density, the adoption of more energy-efficient cooling technologies, and the ongoing investments in digital infrastructure within New Zealand. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of international and local players, including Munters, Johnson Controls, Alfa Laval, and others. These companies are actively investing in research and development to provide advanced cooling solutions that address the challenges of rising energy costs and environmental concerns. Liquid-based cooling technologies, especially immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling, are gaining traction due to their superior efficiency compared to traditional air-based methods. However, the high initial investment cost of these technologies remains a restraint. The market's growth will depend on continued investment in data center infrastructure, government initiatives to promote digital transformation, and the sustained adoption of advanced cooling technologies to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of data center equipment in New Zealand. The focus on sustainability and energy efficiency will shape future market developments, leading to a greater adoption of eco-friendly cooling solutions. Recent developments include: March 2023: In a significant move, Managed Service Provider Interactive unveiled its Immersion Data Center Cooling solution with the primary goal of enhancing high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities for its valued clientele. Collaborating closely with digital infrastructure provider Vertiv, Interactive integrated cutting-edge Green Revolution cooling tanks into their system. This innovative approach employs a single-phase, non-conductive coolant that guarantees the safety of electrical components and boasts an impressive heat transfer capacity, surpassing that of traditional air cooling by 1200 times., March 2023: LiquidStack, a prominent player in the field, recently secured a strategic investment from HVAC industry leader Trane Technologies to push the boundaries of immersion cooling technology. LiquidStack's exclusive liquid immersion cooling system represents a leap forward in sustainable data center cooling practices. This advancement aligns seamlessly with the company's ambitious sustainability objectives, including a commitment to reduce carbon emissions within its customer footprint by a staggering 1 billion tons before 2030 and achieving complete net-zero emissions by 2050. LiquidStack's immersion cooling solutions also provide substantial benefits to its clients.. Key drivers for this market are: Development of IT Infrastructure in the Region, Emergence of Green Data Centers. Potential restraints include: Costs, Adaptability Requirements, and Power Outages. Notable trends are: Liquid-based Cooling is the Fastest Growing Segment.