Signs of recovery in at least parts of the retail sector

New Westpac data shows per-person card spending in December, was up six-percent on the year before.

NZIER research shows profit margins are being squeezed, and Worldline data shows Boxing Day sales were well down on previous years.

But Westpac's figures suggest overall spending is rising.

Clothing stores are still doing it tough, but discretionary spending is rising sharply - particularly at restaurants and cafes.