Settlement means shops can now start imposing levies on shoppers using credit cards.

Shoes and booze are proving to be the mid-winter winners with shoppers - providing another glimmer of hope tough times may be fading.

Alcohol is too cheap and too prevalent in NZ, the Law Commission says.

The face of Auckland's Queen St is changing after Dick Smith Electronics this week opened the first of its new- format stores.

One in 10 stores on Auckland's most famous street would be liquor outlets if new store opens.