Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on rising sales in the retail sector episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026 · 1 MIN

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on rising sales in the retail sector

from The SME Stream · host iHeartRadio NZ

Signs of a turnaround in the retail sector as sales rise.  Stats NZ data shows sales jumped by $239 million in December, compared to the September quarter – up nearly one percent.  The growth was driven by pharmaceuticals and other store-based retailers, as well as electronic goods and hardware supplies.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking some of this is discretionary spending which is a great sign.  He says potential interest rate rises could have an impact in future, but they're hoping the momentum will continue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on rising sales in the retail sector

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Signs of a turnaround in the retail sector as sales rise.  Stats NZ data shows sales jumped by $239 million in December, compared to the September quarter – up nearly one percent.  The growth was driven by pharmaceuticals and other store-based...

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