Profits at New Zealand's largest energy distributor, Vector, have risen 16.3 per cent, but the recession means growth in new connections has slowed and volumes are down.

Appliance retailer Noel Leeming has reached an eleventh hour settlement with interests of its former owner Eric Watson over an unpaid debt.

Mastercard will let merchants surcharge customers when they use their cards to make purchases under a settlement announced today.

Shoppers have to spend as much as $4750 to earn a $15 reward through New Zealand's biggest loyalty card scheme.

The data on retail sales was marginally better than expected in the three months to June.

Market conditions are constraining prospects for rental growth in Kiwi Income Property Trust's (KIPT) retail portfolio.

The prices of fresh vegetables jumped last month.

A ministerial review has recommended setting up a $5m fund to promote the benefits of switching power companies.

Consumers using credit cards could soon face higher costs after a Commerce Commission ruling gave merchants the right to charge levies.