Photo: FileRetail spending in Christchurch increased by four per cent during June 2020 compared to the same period last year, bringing it back in line with pre-Covid-19 levels, new Marketview data shows. Spending growth was seen across the home, hardware and electrical sectors, which were up 26 per cent. Anna Elphick, ChristchurchNZ general manager strategy, insight and policy, said the increased spending was encouraging, but there is still some way to go. "Pent up demand and eased restrictions on movement have provided some buoyancy to the levels of retail spending, but we are yet to see how long the sugar rush will last. "The impact of border closures is also being felt with a 58 per cent reduction in international visitor spend in Christchurch during June, compared to the same time last year.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 23, 2020 21:45 UTC