Brighter Broadway Ave

REVITALISED: Broadway Ave is beginning to experience stronger retail spending. PHOTO: ALECIA ROUSSEAU

Broadway Ave's dying days are over according to the city's economic agency, who says retailers are experiencing an increase in sales.

The Central Economic Development Agency has released data from MarketView - a quarterly report that provides details on local retail spending.

For the three months to October, figures show 76 per cent of the total retail spend has been from local shoppers supporting these businesses.

CEDA chief executive Will Samuel says the idea residents are shopping locally is fantastic.

"We have a great range of shops from high street chains to boutique stores, which is clearly a drawcard for both locals and visitors. Overall, spending in the quarter grew 0.2 per cent over the same period last year to $297 million, with transactions up 1.9 per cent."

Mr Samuel says although there has been a downturn in the dairy industry, our district and city was still demonstrating growth.

"Our economy is resilient and is diversifying. We anticipate growth will increase as the dairy sector improves, State Highway 1 improvements open and our population continues to grow." Palmerston North appeared as the highest performing location, making up 41 per cent of the total regional spend while Feilding holds a 12 per cent share.

"Broadway's growth comes as increasing numbers of restaurants, cafes and popular takeaway options move in," Mr Samuel says. "It's an encouraging and rewarding sign for Broadway business owners and one that will be boosted further if the Palmerston North City Council's plans to revitalise the infrastructure of the street go ahead."

Growth in Sanson was put down to lower fuel prices and the new trail development in Bulls was also a drawcard. Aucklanders were the region's fastest growing consumer group, with their spending for the quarter totalling $9.31 million.

"Palmerston North Airport has done a great job in working to increase flights to the city - it's benefiting residents, retailers and the hospitality sector."

Other positives include an increase in spending from Taranaki and Wellington visitors as well as a home renovation boom.

"This shows residents are confident in their future and in receiving a return on their investment thanks to a strong property market," Mr Samuel says.