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Retail NZ head raises concerns about Middle East conflict as card spending trends up

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 16 Mar 2026, 6:17pm
Photo / NZME
Photo / NZME

Retail NZ head raises concerns about Middle East conflict as card spending trends up

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 16 Mar 2026, 6:17pm

There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive. 

Stats NZ data shows back-to-back increases in electronic card spending for January and February. 

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says it's not happened in a long time. 

She says it would be a shame if the conflict dampens the upward trend.

"Let's hope it's a short, sharp thing and we can get back to business as usual."

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