Consumer spending is picking up as we head into Christmas - but is still tracking behind last year

Data from Worldline shows Kiwis spent just over 3.2 billion dollars in the first 21 days of this month, about 1.3 percent lower than the same time last year.

It shows hospitality likely hit its Christmas peak on Saturday, but that's almost four percent down on 2024's peak.

Core retail spending like electronics, clothes, and appliances still hasn't caught up to last year - but spending was up at toy stores, jewellers, and home décor retailers.

Worldline says the gap could still close over the next few days.