Retailers have their last push of the year - as Kiwis hit the shops for Boxing Day sales

During Christmas Eve's midday to 1pm peak, Worldline recorded more than 563-thousand transactions - well down on last year's 607-thousand.

Spending last week was down annually - for core products like clothes and electronics.

Dress Smart Auckland centre manager Lauri Solecki says they're hoping for a mad rush today - to carry retailers over the line.

She says the year's been tough for everyone - and retail's felt that.