Some retailers are expecting tough times ahead as consumers continue shop with their bank balance in mind and hunt out bargains.
High-end Wellington-based retailer Kirkcaldie and Stains has lifted its profit by half, but warned it expects trading conditions to remain difficult as consumers have become accustomed to sale prices.
Retailers Association chief executive John Albertson says there has been a heavy emphasis on discounting across the entire retail sector in the past year or so.
Mr Albertson says the market has been incredibly tough and retailers have been competing for customers by lowering prices.
Mr Albertson believes retailers will soon start to to move away from expensive store-wide promotions and have a few major promotional items instead.
