Retail spending in Nelson Tasman held up over the 2025 festive season, bucking some national trends and leaving many local retailers cautiously optimistic heading into the new year.
Recent figures from Worldline NZ show spending in Nelson Tasman in December 2025 reached $106 million, up 1.5 per cent from December 2024. Boxing Day spending in non-food stores in the region was also stronger than the national picture, up 1.9 per cent year-over-year to $900,000.
For some city-based retailers, December delivered welcome momentum.
Paula Campbell, founder and director of Little Beehive on Hardy St, says it was a better December than the previous year.
“December was a strong trading period for us, with positive growth and the usual buzz that comes with the festive season. We have had really positive growth.”
Paula says the store’s average sale was up 4 per cent, with gift vouchers the top-performing product and foodie items selling quickly.
She credits a strong base of returning customers and solid local support, while events such as The Spectacle also brought new visitors into the store.
“It was a really positive month for us, but we are very aware of how tough winters can be in Nelson, especially with the ongoing road closures and upgrades. With the locals’ support, we are cautiously confident for 2026,” Paula says.
Tim Babbage from Beggs Musicworks says it was one of their best Decembers on record.
“October, November and December… the whole quarter was awesome.”
He says shoppers seem to be happier to “splash out” on good quality products and are making more “considered” purchases.
“Retail has taken a battering over the last few years, but it seems to be swinging back.”
At Page and Blackmore, owner Jo Dippie said December sales were steady, with an increase on the previous December reflecting growth across the whole year.
The business has expanded its online offering by listing its extensive magazine range – one of the largest collections in the country – on its website, resulting in more magazines being posted nationwide, and customers often adding books to their magazine purchases.
“I think customers are more cautious when shopping for themselves, but they still remain generous when shopping for friends and family. We had more locals start their Christmas shopping earlier, in September and October, so as to avoid that December spike in spending.
Living Light Candles retail manager Jude Biggs says December trading was very similar to the previous year, with unpredictable daily patterns.
“Days are always hard to predict… and often it’s a feast or a famine.”
Jude says shoppers were putting more thought into their gift choices, with granite icicles being the store’s top-selling item.
“We are hugely supported by local customers. We are their ‘go-to’ shop.”
Worldline NZ’s analysis also highlighted a shift in shopping behaviour, showing Black Friday sales now exceed Boxing Day sales.
