The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand was up a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, Statistics New Zealand said on Monday.
That beat forecasts for an increase of 0.9 percent following the 0.6 percent gain in the three months prior.
Nine of the 15 industries had higher sales volumes. The motor-vehicle and parts retailing industry had record increases in both sales volume and value.
The total value of retail sales rose 2.6 percent.
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