Sales are still sliding in the retail sector

Latest Stats NZ figures show sales volumes were down 0.1 percent in the three months to September - on the previous three.

They were down 1.7 percent annually.

Ten of the 15 industries recorded falling sales.

Reduced spending on groceries, food and beverages, has been slightly offset by increased spending on vehicles, electricity and electronic goods.

A Retail NZ survey found 70-percent of retailers didn't meet sales targets during the quarter.