In August 2009, seasonally adjusted core retail sales were up 1.2%, or $49,000,000, Statistics New Zealand announced today.

Total retail sales also rose, up 1.1% or $60,000,000 with two-thirds of all retail industries showing increases.

The total retail sales trend has been rising since February, following a 13-month period of decline.

Seasonally adjusted sales figures were up for most regions, including Otago. Exceptions included Wellington and Waikato.