NZ retail sales rise faster than expected NEW Zealand retail sales have risen faster than expected, led by supermarkets and grocery stores. RETAIL sales volumes rose a seasonally-adjusted 1.5 per cent in the third quarter compared to the previous three months, Statistics New Zealand data showed on Monday. Unadjusted sales rose 4.1 per cent from a year earlier. A quarterly gain of 0.8 per cent for an annual increase of four per cent had been expected, according to a Reuters survey. The New Zealand dollar climbed as high as 79.56 US cents from 79.22 cents immediately before the figures were released. Food-related industries led the advance. Supermarket and grocery store sales rose 1.9 per cent and food and beverage services gained three per cent. Among other sectors, fuel retailing was up 2.5 per cent, motor vehicle and parts gained 1.4 per cent and furniture, floor coverings, housewares and textile good retailing rose 6.3 per cent. That was partly offset by a 5.4 per cent decline for accommodation, a 1.9 per cent decline for clothing, footwear and accessories and a 1.1 per cent drop in non-store and commission-based retailing, the government statistician said. The total value of retail sales rose 4.1 per cent to $NZ18.3 billion ($A17.04 billion) in the third quarter compared with the same period in.