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Source: ONE News -
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The two week shopping peak in the lead up to Christmas has passed Auckland by.
Pedestrian counts are down across Auckland city, and the region's 17 retail centres are competing hard for any recession spending.
Newmarket Business Association head Cameron Brewer says when people are shopping, they are seeking value for money, with practical gifts taking priority over the decadent or flippant.
He says Newmarket has put a lot of money into marketing and he is still optimistic, saying the centre is expecting a huge weekend next weekend and a very big Christmas Eve.
He predicts Boxing Day sales will also be big this year.
However, the recession does not appear to be impacting shoppers in the capital, with retailers reporting Christmas spending up on the same time last year.
Barry Hellberg from the Retailers' Association says Wellington shops are reporting very strong sales 11 days out from Christmas.
He says that shows Wellingtonians still believe in the Christmas spirit.
