Tauranga retailers say there are signs shoppers are beginning to open their wallets again after a pre-election slump where people became wary of making hefty purchases.
While retailers say business slowed down slightly a few weeks out from the September 23 election with customers waiting to find out if interest and tax rates go up with the next government, they don't expect it to be a long-term slump.
Leeanne Manninen, who owned Tauranga Menswear in Greerton, said business had been quieter for the two weeks before election day on September 23, but it was starting to pick up again this week.
Ms Manninen, who has been a business owner for 20 years, said it was a trend she had noticed over two decades and knew it would not last.
"We are still doing good, but things will definitely pick up," Ms Manninen said.
Bill Strang from Furniture Gallery had worked in the furniture business for 40 years, and he had noticed every year in the lead-up to election day it was the same - business slowed.
People often delayed their purchases because they wanted to see if interest and tax rates would increase.
"People are still uncertain as to what coalition we're going to have," Mr Strang said.
"I think we'll find out on October 12."
Greenslades Furniture owner Andy Greenslade said about two weeks out from the September 23 election; the store had less foot traffic.
However, as soon as election day had passed, despite a government not yet confirmed, people flocked to the store. He said it was possible people wanted to see if there were any financial hurdles to be faced with the outcome of an election.
"It was a little quieter," Mr Greenslade said.
"One thing that we did notice, Sunday was a really busy day for us."
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec said he had not received feedback from members that this was a serious issue but was not surprised by people delaying purchases.
"It is a common phenomenon," Mr Gregec said.
He said in some ways it was no different to what they would see during school holidays or other major events.
"We expect things to bounce back quite quickly, now that the election is behind us," he said.
"Yes, we're still waiting for the new Government to take shape - but I expect it'll be business as usual in no time."