Pockets of growth are emerging in the retail sector as people engage more in socialising and entertainment.
(File image) Photo: 123rf.com
While overall spending was down 0.3 percent on July last year, some sectors rebounded according to data from Worldline NZ.
Consumer spending through core retail merchants (excluding hospitality) in Worldline NZ's payments network across New Zealand was $2.84 billion in July.
Head of data George Putnam said movie theatres, taxis, hotels and travel agents had encouraging signs of growth.
"This was a month with school holidays so we had some visitors from Australia and elsewhere maybe," Putnam said.
"I think people were stretching their legs and getting out a bit more.
"That seems to be the case, although we overall were 0.3 percent down from last year at this time.
"We're still well over pre-Covid numbers so it does show people are more comfortable getting out and about."
Footwear, chemists, vets and bookshops were also on the up while spending was subdued in cafes and restaurants, Putnam said.
The outlook was difficult to predict with unexpected variables in play due to ongoing Covid-19 disruptions, he said.
Positive spending at pet shops, dry cleaning, beauty and hairdressing was also observed.
"While the exact reasons for these increases in consumer spending in these sectors are not revealed in Worldline NZ's data, it is certainly encouraging to see these bright spots amidst what has been another tough month for Kiwi merchants."