New Zealand retail spending rebounds in May 2026, driven by supermarkets and cafés

New Zealand’s retail sector recorded a rebound in May 2026, with consumer spending reaching NZ$3.853 billion – a 1.2% increase over the same month a year earlier after a dip in April. The rise was mainly due to a higher average transaction value, while the number of transactions fell 1.1% year‑on‑year, indicating that shoppers are spending more per visit rather than shopping more often.

Growth was strongest in supermarkets, grocery stores, restaurants and cafés, with regional performance led by the Waikato region (+4.6% annual increase) and Canterbury (+2.8%). A notable boost came after Christchurch’s new Te Kaha stadium hosted a Six60 concert, lifting local retail activity by 10.6% that weekend. Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said the data suggests cautious optimism as the sector navigates continuing price pressures.