Spending on retail and hospitality in Christchurch has fallen slightly after a period of strong growth.
Official figures show sales dropped 0.4% in the three months ended September, compared with the same quarter last year.
Looking at the longer-term picture, the trend for retail and hospitality sales in Christchurch has risen 16% since the June 2010 quarter, before the earthquakes began.
Meanwhile, Smiths City Group in Christchurch says its profit rose 12.8% to $1.9 million in the six months ended October, compared with the same period last year.
The company said retail conditions remain competitive and sales growth will come as the rebuild gains momentum.