NZ Post’s latest report has shown online spending by Kiwis has dropped 14 percent this quarter compared to last year. Sales last year were high due to national lockdowns. However, Q3’s $1.3 billion sales are up 39 percent when compared to 2019 sales or what was seen pre-pandemic.
“In-store spending this quarter is 19 percent above Q3 2021 levels. With borders reopening and mask-wearing requirements gone, Kiwis appear to be enjoying being out and about more. This out-of-home activity is seeing shoppers spending on a much wider range of goods and services, helping physical retailers to continue their recovery from the tough times of the last few years,” said Chris Wong, NZ Post General Manager of Business Marketing.
The research also highlighted the buying local trend, as 75 percent of online spending in Q3 was with NZ-based retailers - up 71 percent from last year.
“The big online shopping events (Click Frenzy, Singles’ Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday) leading into the Christmas shopping period are coming up, and this will see online spending increase. We’ll be watching trends closely to see how the big online shopping season goes this year,” said Wong.
