Tills are ringing in S Canty
South Cantabrians are spending up large in the run-up to Christmas, with the latest figures showing electronic spending in the region is up 11.5 per cent on the same time last year.
The Paymark figures for December 4 to 10 show $21.5 million was spent, while transaction volumes also spiked - up 11.8 per cent to 420,000 - for the corresponding period.
The region was outstripping the national trend, with Paymark reporting that Kiwis spent $1.3 billion in the week, up 7.8 per cent on the same week in 2016.
Transaction volumes were up 9 per cent across New Zealand, to 28.6 million.
South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said the figures were built on the basis of a strong all-round confidence in the region and a strong business performance in a wide range of sectors.
‘‘We have seen GDP increase and seen business gain confidence in the marketplace, and I think it is looking positive for 2018,’’ she said.
‘‘We have a solid relationship with the port and the global offshore opportunities, and dairying is sound.
‘‘There has been a recent decline in dairy but confidence is still solid.’’
The South Canterbury branch president of Hospitality New Zealand, Kristy Phillips, said summer spending had started early this year.
‘‘In general it sounds like most operators are having a good year with summer starting early so people are out and about a few weeks earlier, and staying out later.
‘‘The way the school holidays fall this year has meant an early start for some, with more people around town at the beginning of the month than we sometimes see.’’
Phillips said most venues were buoyant and on track for Christmas celebrations and gettogethers.
‘‘Sunshine encourages people to get out and catch up more as well.
‘‘There has been a very relaxed and festive feel around the town in the evenings, with more people walking around in the main centre.’’
At Camerons Clothing Company on Stafford St, director Warren Park said spending was progressively speeding up.
‘‘There are more people around and they are in an engaged mindset to spend.
‘‘It’s going to be an interesting week this week as we have a full week before the big day.
‘‘A full week with extra trading hours, offices closing, school finishing and consistently warm weather helps contribute.’’
Paul’s Gallery owner/operator Paul Stevenson said spending figures were tracking very close to last year.
‘‘I expect the biggest days will be on Thursday and Friday this week.
‘‘A lot of people purchase throughout the year for Christmas now as it probably matches online spending trends.
‘‘There are more people buying slightly cheaper product.’’
In contrast to some other retailers, 2n5 Shop owner/operator Greig Newlands said it seemed people were shopping later.
‘‘The Christmas rush has come later than last year.
‘‘The economy, specifically the dairy sector, has been slower this year.’’
Kidstuff owner/operator Dorothy Tucker agreed with Newlands there had been a slow start to Christmas spending.
‘‘I’m hoping it’s going busy.
‘‘There have been a lot more smaller item sales this year. We are selling a lot more stocking fillers.
‘‘People have been looking for quality dolls, sunhats and sunglasses, and summer footwear.’’ to be