Clothing shops were down 5.1% in Auckland and Northland but up in Wanganui, Marlborough, Otago, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty, Paymark said. Kiwis spent $139 million via the Paymark Eftpos network during Boxing Day - up 6.4% on last year. Spending at department stores was up 67.9% on last year, while purchases at appliance stores was up 52.7%, and the spend at home decorating stores jumped 38.1%. It was a mixed bag for clothing shops, down 5.1% in Auckland and Northland but up in Wanganui, Marlborough, Otago, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty, Paymark said. The West Coast and Marlborough enjoyed the best growth, with spending up 25.7% and 24.4% respectively.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 26, 2017 21:00 UTC