Electronic card spending rose nearly 1% in core retail industries last month.
Statistics New Zealand said Christmas shoppers spent more in all four core retail sectors, with hospitality, apparel and consumables showing the strongest rises.
It was the third consecutive monthly increase.
The total amount spent across all transactions was $7.2 billion.
Spending in bars and restaurants rose $14 million , 2.1% and apparel was up $9 million, 3%.
