Black Friday's been busy for Auckland retailers -- but not as busy as last year

It's a big sales period for New Zealander retailers -- and is especially important for Auckland as it begins to emerge from lockdown.

Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas says not having hospitality open likely meant shoppers weren't coming out for a joint shopping dining experience.

He says it kickstart's the Christmas trade period - so trade's expected to keep growing exponentially through to a very busy Christmas period.