Retailers thrilled as Bay of Plenty customers spend more

Papamoa Plaza manager David Hill says last month was a phenomenal trading month for the centre's retailers. Photo / File

Bay of Plenty shoppers spent nearly $370 million last month, according to Paymark figures.

That is 5.6 per cent more than the same time last year, according to a recent Paymark report.

The volume of eftpos card transactions last month was also up, by 7.5 per cent.

Spending in the Bay of Plenty between January 2017 and January 2018 also outpaced the percentage growth in Auckland/Northland, which was slower than most other regions.

But the smaller regions were leading the way at present in terms of overall spending growth, Paymark spokesman Paul Brislen said.

For January, the highest annual growth sales were recorded in Marlborough (16.4%), Southland (13.8%), Wanganui (11.5%) West Coast (11.2%) and Wairarapa (11%).

Papamoa Plaza centre manager David Hill said he was thrilled with the turnover figures across the plaza last month, which on average was collectively up by about 12 per cent.

"We've seen phenomenal growth. We're continuing to see more than double-digit growth, and some retailers had up to 50 per cent increases in their sales compared to the same period last year," he said.

Double-digit growth was the new norm at Papamoa Plaza, he said.

Hill said opening seven days a week and new stores giving customers greater shopping choices were all key factors to the boost in sales.

The plaza was looking forward to being able to trade on the traditional Easter holidays this year, which was sure to further boost turnover figures, he said.

Bayfair Shopping Centre manager Steve Ellingford said feedback from retailers confirmed January 2018 was another "positive" trading month.

The overall turnover figures across the complex were expected to be available early next week, he said.

"But what I can say is that retailers are feeling positive. From the increased customer visitations we had last month I'm sure our turnover figures will be up again," he said.

Mount Mainstreet manager Ingrid Fleming said retailers had a busy January, boosted by having cruise ship after cruise ship visiting the city.

Fleming said Mount Mainstreet retailers were doing "really well" thanks to the extra number of cruise ship passengers this year, and increased numbers of holidaymakers.

However, the lack of New Year's Eve celebrations in Mount Maunganui made a dent on the overall spending figures over the festive season.

Discussions were being held with Tauranga City Council to try tobring the celebrations back again in some form, she said.

Nationally, Paymark processed $5.014m worth of transactions last month, with an
underlying annual spending growth rate of 5.3 per cent, the Paymark report stated.

Where people are spending?

Top spenders January 2018 versus January 2017
Auckland/Northland $1.956.8m (up by 3.9%)
Canterbury $529m (up by 3.1%)
Wellington $441.3m (up by 6.3%)
Waikato $372.8m (up by 6.6%)
Bay of Plenty $369.9m (up by 5.6%)

Source: Paymark Limited