Retail turnover higher

Dutch retailers generated almost 6 percent more turnover in November 2006 than in the same month of the previous year. The shopping day pattern was more favourable in November 2006 than in November 2005. After a correction for shopping days retail turnover in November was still considerably higher than one year previously, with an increase of almost 5 percent. Retail products cost just over 1 percent more than in November 2005.

Non-food shops generated over 5 percent more turnover in November than in November 2005. Sales in food shops were over 4 percent higher than in the same month of the previous year. About 95 percent of retail sales take place in shops. In November, the increase in sales through non-shop retail channels, such as mail order and on-line services, was substantially higher than that in shops.

Products sold in non-food shops cost almost 1 percent more in November. The volume of sales in these sectors was almost 5 percent up on November 2005. Prices in food shops rose by almost 2 percent. The volume of sales in food shops increased by almost 3 percent compared to one year ago. The robust growth in retail sales is also reflected in the development of consumer spending.

Turnover in retail trade