Retail turnover nearly 8 percent down

In August 2009, Dutch retailers faced a nearly 8 percent turnover loss compared with August 2008. Retail turnover is affected by the monthly number of shopping and holidays, which was less favourable in August 2009 than in August 2008. After an approximate correction for this effect, turnover was nearly 6 percent down on one year previously.

Just like in the preceding months, turnover of non-food shops dropped substantially by more than 11 percent compared to one year previously. Textile supermarkets, clothes shops and consumer electronics shops suffered most. Their turnover decreased by over 15 percent.

Turnover in the food sector dropped by more than 2 percent. With an 8 percent drop, specialised food shops faced the most dramatic loss. Turnover in supermarkets was 1 percent down on twelve months previously.

Petrol stations experienced a 13 percent downturn in August, mainly caused by lower fuel prices.

Retail turnover