Boxing Day shoppers splash out the cash

It was the day after Christmas and all through the mall Palmerston North shoppers were spending up large after all.

Paymark figures show Palmerston North shops took in more than $1.7 million through its electronic network this Boxing Day, up 2.4 per cent from last year.

Central Economic Development Agency spokeswoman Janet Reynolds said the increase in retail spending was reassuring and a key indicator of the strength of the city’s recovery during the ongoing pandemic.

‘‘Earlier in the year it was anticipated the usual post-christmas retail binge shopping wouldn’t happen in 2020 due to Covid-19’s economic aftermath, something which would likely have had devastating consequences.’’

Paymark spokesman Paul Brislen said Palmerston North was one of five, out of 17, Paymark regions where Boxing Day spending increased this year – although Auckand spending only increased by 0.7 per cent.

Nationally, $62.2m was spent on Boxing Day over the Paymark network, 2.2 per cent less than last year.

Brislen said the areas where Boxing Day spending rose this year tended to be places without a big tourism sector, such as Palmerston North.

The overall drop in spending could be partially explained by the lack of overseas visitors, after the pandemic ground international travel to a halt, he said.

Paymark figures don’t capture online spending.

The development agency’s latest data indicates Manawatu¯ residents spend in their home region more than people in other areas, which could help explain why Palmerston North stood out in Boxing Day spending.

‘‘Being proudly Kiwi and supporting local businesses is paying dividends for our region,’’ Reynolds said.

Stuff encountered thousands of shoppers swarming The Plaza Shopping

Centre on Boxing Day.

George St was also bustling with shoppers through the holiday season.

Munchkins owner Oleene Wells said George St felt busier than usual over the Christmas and New Year period, which was a good way to see out a difficult year.

‘‘There was always plenty of people on the street, out supporting local retailers, and there was a real good feeling among the shop owners.’’

Wells felt shoppers were continuing to buy locally made products, at locally owned stores, to help retailers recover from the hit they took during the lockdowns.

Wells said Munchkins did its part in those efforts this Christmas.

Although her handmade chocolates and fudges were always Munchkins’ most popular products, Wells usually imported Christmas confectionery gift boxes for the holidays.

‘‘But this year we made a concerted effort to get similar New Zealand-made products.

‘‘We had virtually no imported products this year.’’