Recent trading updates indicate the nation's leading retailers are feeling the pinch ahead of the busy season.
The Warehouse and Kathmandu are among the big names that have been seeing significant losses over the past few months.
Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke says there's hope things will pick up in the next few weeks, given the demand brought about by Christmas and Boxing Day.
LISTEN ABOVE

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the ongoing economic costs of the Iran war
03:34

Chris Quin: Foodstuffs North Island CEO on farmers raising questions over supermarket food prices
06:08

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ASB facing a $6 million dollar fine for breaching anti-money laundering rules
04:43