Vehicle retailing climbs

Motor-vehicle retailing recorded the largest increase in dollar terms for retail sales values in the March quarter compared to the last three months of 2024.

Stats NZ reports, with price effects included, that automotive and parts retailing by value rose by 3.5 per cent or $134 million, while fuel retailing also climbed – up by 5.3 per cent or $121m.

When it came to retail volumes, motor-vehicle retailing came in at $108.3m in the March quarter for a 3.1 per cent rise compared to the December 2024 quarter.

Overall, the total volume of seasonally adjusted retail sales was $25 billion, up 0.8 per cent, while the value of those transactions was $31b for an increase of 1.5 per cent.

“Growth in retail activity was modest in the March quarter, with the majority of industries contributing positively,” says Michelle Feyen, Stats NZ’s economic indicators spokesperson. “Motor-vehicle retailing, and pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing, saw the largest increases this quarter.”

All 16 regions of New Zealand had higher retail sales values across all industries in the March 2025 quarter versus 2024’s final quarter.

Sales in the South Island increased by 2.7 per cent to $7.6b, while those in the North Island increased by 1.7 per cent to $23b. 

“The West Coast and Nelson regions had the highest percentage increase in retail sales this quarter relative to the previous quarter,” notes Feyen.

The total value of stock held as of March 31 was $9.3b, down by 1.5 per cent and $143m when compared to the same time last year. Stats NZ reports the largest stock movement was seen in motor vehicle and parts retailing – down by 4.5 per cent and $97m.