Retail spending in Manawatū dipped slightly in the March 2025 quarter, with total electronic card spend reaching $426 million – a 2% drop compared to the same time last year. This aligns with the national trend, which saw a 1.8% decline.

Over the full year to March 2025, retail spending in the region was $1.78 billion, down 1.5%. With inflation at 2.5%, this reflects a real decline in household spending.

Groceries and liquor were the only categories to grow, while sectors like accommodation and fuel saw the biggest drops. Fridays and Saturdays continue to be our busiest shopping days, with the highest daily spending recorded on Friday 7 February at $6.2 million – the day after Waitangi Day. 

Encouragingly, the week ending 16 March – packed with events like Central Districts Field Days and the Manawatū Walking Festival – saw the highest weekly spend at $35 million, showing the positive impact events have on our local economy. 

While economic conditions remain tight, a recent drop in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) is expected to support future retail activity. However, any boost to household spending is likely to take time and won’t be immediate.