Retail turnover more than 5 percent down in September

In September 2009, Dutch retailers faced over 5 percent loss of turnover compared to September 2008. Retail turnover is affected by the monthly number of shopping days and holidays. In September 2009, the pattern was more favourable than in September last year. After an approximate correction for this effect, turnover was nearly 6 percent down on one year previously.

Just like in the preceding months, turnover generated in non-food shops dropped substantially, i.e. by more than 7 percent relative to one year previously. Besides chemist shops, which realised a turnover increase of almost 3 percent, turnover decreased across the board in the non-food sector. Home furnishing shops and consumer electronics shops suffered most.

Turnover in the food sector was nearly 1 percent higher in September. Turnover achieved by supermarkets was 1.5 percent up on twelve months previously. Sales in specialised food shops dropped by more than 7 percent.

Petrol stations faced 14 percent loss of turnover in September, predominantly caused by lower fuel prices.

Retail turnover