Aucklanders in some of the city's most expensive suburbs don't just pay a lot more in house prices for the privilege - it even costs them more to buy groceries.

One of the great successes of modern marketing has been the mass engagement of the population in rewards programmes, says Damien Grant. The most prevalent are Fly Buys. They are awful.

If there's one way to make Diana Clement happy, it's by telling her to "buy one get one free".

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.

It may still be only establishing itself on home turf but The Shopping Channel has already struck a deal to move into Australia.

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.

Retailers might be enjoying a post-Christmas spending bonanza, but an economist warns the sales boom can't last.

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