Prices on some household items have risen more than double the cost of yesterday's GST increase - despite many retailers choosing to take a hit.

Hundreds celebrated the opening of a little piece of China in Auckland, accompanied by fireworks and a lion dance ceremony.

Thomas Pippos answers the top questions about changes to the tax system.

Retailers are walking a tightrope between driving away customers and bearing heavier GST costs from tomorrow.

About 150 small businesses are failing following the Christchurch earthquake, many of them in the retail and hospitality sectors, the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce says.

Most Kiwis will get more money in their pockets from Friday, when the Government's tax cuts take effect.

Postie Plus has posted a 6.5 per cent drop in earnings, and predicts retailing will struggle till Christmas but should improve in 2011.

Will businesses take advantage of Friday's rise in GST from 12.5pc to 15pc?

A decision on a plan to double the size of Auckland's St Lukes shopping centre has been deferred after angry reactions from local residents.

The people in the Fashion Week crowd that really matter are the ones who can make or break a label - the buyers.

Bar and restaurant owners are being advised to put prices up next Friday to compensate for the GST increase coming into force.

I've always thought there's a bit of a correlation between good customer service and good advertising.