Whanganui consumer spending breaks annual record

Whanganui consumers spent $48.9 million in January, contributing to a new annual consumer spend record of $565m for the 12 months to the end of January.

Whanganui has experienced record levels of consumer spending over the past 12 months.

Economic development agency Whanganui & Partners reports that consumers spent $48.9 million in January, contributing to a new annual consumer spend record of $565m for the 12 months to the end of January.

Chief executive Mark Ward said comparing national and regional levels makes for an interesting read.

"Our consumer spending has continued to rise in recent times but crucially the rate of growth is well above the national averages," Ward said.

"January 2020 spending in Whanganui was 7.6 per cent higher than January 2019. That's compared to 2.5 per cent across New Zealand for the same period.

"If you go back three years, our annual consumer spending was 0.83 per cent of New Zealand as a whole. That's now at 0.88 per cent. While these may sound like relatively small figures, it equates to an increase of $90m in annual spending from January 2017 to January 2020.

"Our share of spending in the Whanganui-Manawatū region is also now at a record high. It demonstrates that preference for shopping in Whanganui is increasing."

Whanganui & Partners chief executive Mark Ward says the latest consumer spending figures are a record high. Photo / Lewis Gardner

Ward credits a number of initiatives and organisations for the growth.

"Whanganui & Partners works closely with the business community and it's a credit to all involved. We also promote the region through our marketing efforts and I'd like to think our contributions here are helping to make that difference too. It's important to note that not all regions are experiencing this level of growth.

"Most of all it's the business owners themselves and organisations like Mainstreet, Te Manu Atatu and Whanganui Chamber of Commerce that are helping deliver a strong proposition for consumers."

Ward said the data demonstrated that the retail market is growing and bodes well for further investment.

"There's confidence in the local economy from a growing number of consumers. Aligned to our jobs and income growth being ahead of national averages too, the data paints a bright picture."