Hawke's Bay has topped the country for increased November retail spending according to Paymark, which processes 75 per cent of electronic transactions.
The region's November spend - $139.4 million - was 11.8 per cent greater than for November 2015, ahead of Bay of Plenty on 9.8 per cent and Wairarapa on 9 per cent.
The national increase was 6.9 per cent.
Paymark said over the month of November the New Zealand accommodation sector surged 17.4 per cent suggestive of another strong year for the tourism sector, and 11 per cent in electrical and electronic spending.
"Both sectors were very strong in Hawke's Bay [up 26.5 per cent and 20.4 per cent respectively] during the month, contributing to this region recording the fastest annual underlying growth rate."
The November figures bode well for the region, especially so because November last year was very good one for retailers, coming out of a tough winner.