The Christmas shopping period was a good one for 'feel-good” retailers according to Paymark, a major electronic payments provider.
Paymark figures say Bay of Plenty people spent 5.3 per cent more in December 2009 than in December 2008 in eftpos transactions.

Nationally, the total value of transactions through the Paymark network in December 2009 showed nearly a four percent increase over December 2008, but spokesman Paul Whiston says the results were a bit of a mixed bag.
'Our figures show that spending on sporting and outdoor pursuits was lower than usual in December 2009, but the feel-good sector – cafes, jewellery and hair care were up.”
Paul says the total number of transactions was also up by an average of 6.5 per cent, with Bay of Plenty experiencing a 6.6 per cent increase.
'December was promising in that our figures point towards the fact that we have continued out of the 2008 and early 2009 recession but it's important to note that they also serve as a reminder of the tough economic conditions faced here and abroad.”