With expanded floor space and a cluster of boutique retailers, Mt Eden's BLOC collective is now a one-stop design destination.

Buy crikey there are some stonking good shopping deals on offer right now.

Strong retail sales in the last three months of 2012 added to evidence the economy had hauled itself out of a soft patch by the end of the year.

Kiwis lifted spending on their credit, debit and charge cards last month, led by consumables such as food and liquor, and fuel.

Many people say it's London, Paris or Munich. But the most exciting shopping is in Bangkok. The air conditioned and squeaky-clean trains stop right at the entrance of the most important shopping complexes on the lively Sukhumvit and Rama I roads.

The chance to bring down a building, buy space on a woman's bottom and change someone's name were among the most-viewed Trade Me auctions of the year.

The future of the new Shopping Channel, launched with enormous fanfare this year, is in doubt.

New Year's resolutions are often difficult to stick to and require some upfront investment. But, as John Weekes reports, they can turn out to be money-spinners.

Shoppers took to the Boxing Day sales with gritted teeth yesterday, battling full carparks, queues and crowds to snap up bargains.

Festive lights, Christmas trees, a jolly Santa waving you in and carols can be the magic formula for retailers trying to lure shoppers in and seal a deal.

Consumers cutting loose after a year of watching their wallets is one reason for a huge increase in Christmas spending, according to the Retailers Association. Paymark said just over $3.2 billion went through its network between Nov 30 and Dec 20.

If you haven't sorted your Xmas selections yet you may be starting to panic about finding the perfect present for each person on your list. Go easy on yourself by simply buying a gift set.

Kiwis are flocking to the shops to stock up for Christmas, with eftpos spending up on last year. Westfield spokeswoman Deb McGhie said it appeared shopping centres were busier this year than last - though they wouldn't know for sure until next year

Christmas shoppers are being tempted with offers of "interest-free" cash loans before an interest rate in excess of 500 per cent kicks in.