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.