Consumer confidence soft on retail – Retail NZ

31st January 2025 By Staff Reporter | news@propertyticker.co.nz | @propertyticker

The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan NZ Consumer Confidence Index shows that consumer confidence fell 4 points to 96.0 in January. 

There was a big 15 point drop to -16 in the proportion of households thinking it is a good time to buy a major household item.

However, a net 23% of consumers expect to be better off this time next year.

“While retailers saw some benefit from the customary Christmas rush and the Boxing Day sales, consumers are continuing to be careful with their spending,” said Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young.

“Attitudes to buying major household items rose sharply in December and the latest figure signals a return to previous levels. This may be cyclical, due to the sales and great deals that were available around Christmas and Boxing Day.”

Retail NZ said pricing and cost pressures would continue to be major challenges for retailers this year.