A modest performance for retailers this week - with shoppers braving the wild weather to score their holiday bargains

Official transaction data won't be available until mid-January, but Retail NZ estimates a 10-percent drop in spending compared to Boxing Day last year.

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says 2025 has been tough but there is some optimism for the New Year.

She says they're hoping January will be stronger in 2026 compared to last - to show the economy has turned the corner and consumers are feeling more confident.