Feb 2026: Gen Z's buying power is growing

New Zealand's monthly retail spending DASHBOARD

Early each month we release our Retailwatch dashboard that offers a high-level view of retail trends showing customer spend across categories, online and in-store, of the previous month.  Get the dashboard and insights delivered straight to your inbox by signing up today.

Retailwatch February 2026 analysis

Gen Z's spending power is expected to grow to $12 trillion USD by 2030 and they're on track to become the largest and wealthiest generation.

See how your company's sector is performing in the latest Retailwatch dashboard, where the early signs of the generational wealth shift are coming through strongly.

DOn't get ghosted by zoomers

Gen Z have taken a lot of slack for their tech addiction and mid slang, but they’re stepping into their wealthiest era yet.

It’s time to get to know the generation that’s driving a significant retail shift.

Firstly, having grown up online, Gen Z are digital natives.  They’re buying through social media, live social shopping, and expect an easy online experience and fast delivery.  Of course, they’ll still visit a store (many will research online then buy in-person).  But retailers who don’t create a seamless online experience risk being left behind.

One retailer adapting to this shift is Bunnings – offering fast online deliveries across Australia and New Zealand via Uber Eats.  With online spend in the Home building supplies sector growing a whopping 85.2% YoY, this could be a very strategic move for the retailer.

less bevvies, more matcha

The second thing to recognise with Gen Z is that their shopping habits are closely aligned with their values.  One trend we’ve tracked is a shift to less alcohol consumption in New Zealand and healthier choices overall.  This could largely be driven by Gen Zers, who are drinking less than their millennial forebears and are working out more.

And this doesn’t just affect liquor stores.  The rise of dry tripping (or sober travel) impacts the Travel and accommodation sector, as well as Health goods and services, of which spend has risen 11% YoY.

Now aged between 12-27 years old, it’s time to tap into Gen Z’s growing spending power and shifting preferences and use it to your commercial advantage.  We can help unpack your customer base and pinpoint opportunities for growth. Let’s talk.

Curious about New Zealand’s monthly retail spend?

Our free dashboard helps you track major trends - perfect for Kiwi brands expanding their market share, or Australian companies eyeing New Zealand for growth.  Complete the form below and keep an eye on your inbox for the latest dashboard view.

WHERE DOES THE RETAILWATCH DATA COME FROM?

Retailwatch is a joint initiative between Datamine and a Banking and Financial partner.  This partner provides Datamine with anonymised and aggregated retail spend data; we apply algorithms and national / regional weightings in order to create the report.  Retailer categories are taken from the Merchant Category Codes allocated by MasterCard and VISA.  Monthly and Quarterly periods of 28 days and 91 days are used to ensure the same number of weekdays/weekends are included for comparisons.

Please note that the figures within the Retailwatch Dashboard are GST exclusive.