Consumers in Hawke's Bay appear to have been buying new winter wardrobes, with credit and debit card spending showing a big rise over winter.
New data from Paymark, which processes three-quarters of all electronic purchases, showed Hawke's Bay shoppers spent $136 million last month - a rise of 6.8 per cent on the same month last year.
Paymark processed 3,100,000 transactions over the month - about 190,000 more than last July.
"Retail confidence in Hastings City is high and it is great to see that shown in the most recent statistics," Hastings City Business Association acting general manager Kelly Nolan said.
"This is a reflection of the overall economy but also the competitive nature of Hastings City retailers, which is highlighted in the continued high interest in the Hastings CBD from new business."