Retail sales down

In February 2004 the Dutch retail trade sold 4.9 percent less than in February 2003. Shopping became 1.1 percent cheaper during this period; turnover volume was down by 3.8 percent. It was the twelfth month in a row that retail turnover was down on the same month in the previous year, according to Statistics Netherlands.

Turnover in non-food stores worrying

Non-food stores saw their turnover in February 2004 fall by 7.7 percent on February 2003. Home furnishings saw the greatest loss of turnover compared to February 2003, namely close to 14 percent. Stores selling consumer electronics and household equipment, DIY and textile super markets all had less turnover. Drug stores on the other hand saw their turnover increase by close to 2 percent on February 2004.

Dip in turnover in food stores

In February 2004 the turnover of stores selling food, beverages and tobacco fell by 0.7 percent on February 2003. This decrease was observed in specialist stores, such as greengrocers and butchers, which had 8.5 percent less turnover than in February the previous year. Super markets increased their February turnover by 1 percent compared to the previous year. Super market prices were 1.4 percent lower, which is due to the price war between the super markets that started at the end of October 2003.

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