Retail sales in New Zealand rose 0.9% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, matching the pace recorded in the previous quarter and surpassing market expectations of 0.5%. The latest result marked the sixth consecutive quarterly increase, with figures adjusted for inflation and seasonal effects. Growth was broad-based, with 10 of the 15 retail industries recording higher sales volumes, notably accommodation (6.1%), pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing (2.8%), hardware, building, and garden supplies (2.7%), and supermarket and grocery stores (1.7%). By contrast, clothing, footwear, and personal accessories sales fell 4.8%.On an annual basis, retail turnover increased 4.5%, following a 4.4% rise in Q4, marking the sixth straight quarter of growth.