After a slower start to November things seem to have burst into busy mode this week in Hastings, says Hastings City Business Association manager Susan McDade.
She hoped the momentum would continue through until Christmas despite there no longer being free parking in the central business district.
"While last year saw a massive increase in sales on Heretaunga St, partly due to free parking, we still hope to have a good Christmas season this year."
K-Mart manager Jonathan Malone had reported a further increase over last year with much of the Christmas stock flying out the door, she said.
With just two months to go until Christmas, Retail NZ predicted that consumers would spend a record $17.4 billion in the lead up to the big day, but noted retailers were still facing intense competition.