The lift was widespread, led by increased grocery and liquor spending, as well as fuel.

When adjusted for seasonal effects, retail card spending was up 2.3 percent in the September 2018 quarter, the largest percentage rise since the December 2010 quarter.

“The September quarter’s strong rise came after a slight dip in the June 2018 quarter,” retail statistics manager Sue Chapman said.

Spending rose in all six retail industries in the latest quarter. The largest rise came from the consumables industry (grocery and liquor retailing), up $140 million (2.4 percent). This follows a 0.6 percent fall in the June 2018 quarter. The second largest rise came from the fuel industry, up $65 million (3.4 percent). This follows a 0.3 percent fall in the June 2018 quarter.

“The fuel industry rise coincided with rising petrol prices,” Ms Chapman said.

“Petrol prices rose to record levels, up more than 15 cents a litre by the end of September and more in Auckland after the regional fuel tax was introduced.”     Continue to read article  . . .>