At least that’s where we’re swiping/waving our EFTPOS and credit cards these days.
Data from Marketview recording recent electronic card spending indicate that Hastings is showing more consumer resilience than Napier in recent months.
For the quarter 1 April to 30 June, in Hastings spending increased by 5.2%, with individual transactions up 8.1%.
Whereas for the same period, Napier’s spending increased by 2%, and the number of transactions increased by 1.3%.Some growth is better than none.
A media release from Hastings District Council said that Hastings’ biggest increase came from international visitor spending, up 27% from the same time last year. The release also noted that “purchasing by visitors to Hastings from Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay was also up” and that spending in Havelock North fell.
Hmmm … do CHB, Napier and Hastings merchants just need to pick up their game? Or is Hastings really getting HOT?!
Spending growth was highest in department and leisure stores; cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaways; and apparel/personal shopping.
Nationwide, electronic spending increased 3.8%.
The spending figures do not account for cash or online purchases.
Hastings isn’t getting any hotter based on this stat
Hastings is killing its own golden goose now by killing off growth in Havelock North
Napier increase still credible but has a different mix to Hastings and based on number of big new developments announcing or due to socialise for Napier – watch this space
Online sales not taken into account here either