Festive spirit is strong in the southern region in the build-up to Christmas Day, with electronic transactions in the Otago region increasing by 5.4%, and 6.3% in Southland during the first 20 days of December this year, compared with 2010.
Paymark, which processes about 75% of all electronic transactions in New Zealand, released figures yesterday showing Otago consumers have spent $152.2 million (up $7.8 million) at shops around the country between December 1 and December 20 this year, and Southland consumers have spent the equivalent of $75 million (up $4.4 million) this year.
Nationwide, $3 billion of electronic transactions have been processed by Paymark between December 1 and December 20 - up 4.7% ($133 million) on the corresponding period in 2010.
Paymark spokesman Ben Robinson said the region making the largest increase was Palmerston North which increased by 9%, or $8 million, year-on-year.
He said the nationwide figures showed the most popular places for buying gifts were sports equipment stores (up 8.4%), appliance stores (up 7.6%) and home building stores (up 6.1%).
The Christmas cheer had spread to bars and clubs: hospitality-sector spending was up 5.1%. Travel outlets had also experienced positive growth this December, up 6.8% on the corresponding period last year.
He said it was no surprise spending during the last full weekend before Christmas surged in many regions.
Auckland/Northland recorded weekend growth of 6.9%, a total of $122.5 million spent through the Paymark network.
Palmerston North and South Canterbury were also among the top weekend performers, with annual growth of 6.5% and 6.7%.
Mr Robinson said although he had seen a pattern of steady and consistent growth in the past 20 days, retailers should be ready for a big push in the last three days of shopping.
"With only three full days of shopping to go, we'd expect to see a bumper final stretch in true Kiwi tradition.
"Every year, we see transactions through our system peaking just after midday on Christmas Eve, but this year it may come earlier, given that Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.
"Friday will be interesting."
