The Government's shake up of the electricity sector could be the last chance the competitive pricing model has, says Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin.

Transactions using electronic cards rose 0.7 per cent for retail industries in November from a month earlier, mainly due to a rise in vehicle fuel sales.

Shares in KFC, Starbucks and Pizza Hut operator Restaurant Brands closed at a seven-year high.

Clothing and nursery product retailer Postie Plus Group lifted first quarter sales 15 per cent from a year earlier.

Mainfreight has reported a 36.5 per cent fall in half year profit to $10.9 million.

Centro Properties Group is seeing signs of life in the retail sector.