Appliance stores hit by dwindling sales are offering free televisions when customers buy refrigerators, and grocery vouchers when they buy ovens.

New Zealanders spent more on their debit and credit cards this long weekend, than they did a year earlier, but growth remains subdued.

The Commerce Commission is warning businesses not to mislead customers when applying a surcharge on goods and services ahead of this weekend's Labour Day holiday.

Receivers have been appointed to homeware retailer Nest but the stores are still trading.