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. 

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