The latest retail insights for Manawatū are in, showing how economic conditions and seasonal occasions shaped spending this quarter and how it is vital that we continue to shop local.

Retail spending by Manawatū residents totalled $1,622 million for the year ending December 2025. Of this, $1,353 million was spent locally, while $269 million was spent outside the region, resulting in an annual loyalty rate of 83.4%. This is the highest level recorded in the past five years and sits above the five-year average of 82.8%. Local residents made up the majority of retail activity, accounting for 76.5% of total spending in the region. 

Visitor spending also contributed to the retail mix. International visitor spending increased by 26% year-on-year, although it remained relatively modest at $38 million (around 2% of total retail spending).