New Zealand's retail sector experienced a gentle deceleration in sales growth during the first quarter of 2025. Updated data released on May 22, 2025, revealed that retail sales saw a quarter-over-quarter increase of 0.8%, marking a slight dip from the 0.9% growth recorded in the preceding quarter, the last quarter of 2024.
This modest decrease in retail sales growth indicates a cooling yet stable consumer market. The sequential quarterly comparison investigated the changes recorded at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. In the last quarter of 2024, retail sales had increased by 0.9% from the prior quarter, showcasing a slightly stronger consumer purchasing momentum.
While the slowdown may spark mild concern, analysts suggest that the shift from 0.9% to 0.8% remains within a manageable range, reflecting continued consumer spending amidst the broader economic context. As New Zealand's economy navigates 2025, maintaining robust retail activity will be critical for sustained economic resilience. However, stakeholders will closely monitor coming quarters for further trends or changes in consumer behavior.
