An expert warns retailers still have a difficult path ahead despite promising signs in the sector

Stats NZ reveals retail activity to the end of March, jumped zero point five percent since December, the first quarterly increase in two years.

ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy says despite the results, retail activity remains weak.

She says the Reserve Bank's hesitancy to change the Official Cash Rate means relief for retailers could be a while off.

She says the bank will have to see a lot more evidence before taking the foot off the brake.