Decreased volumes of retail sales were seen in the hardware, building, and garden supplies industry, down 15 percent, and in the motor vehicles and parts industry, down 10 percent, helping to drive a fall in total retail sales compared with the December 2021 quarter, Stats NZ said.
"Falls in building supplies and vehicle sales in the December 2022 quarter are reflective of a decline from the peak in sales seen during December 2021," business financial statistics manager Melissa McKenzie said.
The COVID-19 restrictions have influenced changes in sales patterns in many retail industries over the last few years, McKenzie said.
Sales volumes grew in the hospitality sector in the December 2022 quarter, with food and beverage services up 14 percent, while accommodation services were up 28 percent compared with the December 2021 quarter, statistics show.
"With border restrictions lifting, a return of international visitors was likely to have helped boost hospitality spending at the end of 2022," McKenzie said.
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