It has been a successful quarter for many Hastings retailers with rising sales indicating consumers are spending with more confidence.
According to the Hastings City Business Association the latest retail trade statistics from Statistics New Zealand showed Hastings has had a record 8.2 per cent increase in retail sales over the same period in 2016.
The business association said the latest figures reinforced Hastings had been leading in retail growth and upholding retail sales throughout each quarter since October 2015, adding that Napier had improved as well with an increase of 3 per cent.
Hastings City Business Association general manager Susan McDade said although most of the Hastings CBD retail sector struggled in recent years, their hard work to stay on top was reflected in the figures.
"Another rise in the next quarter will really indicate that the tides are turning, and our CBD can gain more confidence moving forward."