Retail turnover 4 percent down in October

29/12/2009 09:30

In October 2009, Dutch retailers faced 4 percent loss of turnover compared to October 2008. The turnover decline is almost entirely accounted for by a reduction in the volume of sales. Prices remained stable. Retail turnover is affected by the monthly number of shopping days and holidays. In October 2009, the pattern was more favourable than in October last year. After an approximate correction for this effect, turnover was 6 percent down on one year previously.

Just like in the preceding months, turnover generated in non-food shops dropped substantially, i.e. by 6 percent relative to one year previously. DIY shops suffered most. Home furnishing and consumer electronics shops faced substantial loss of turnover. Textile supermarkets and clothes shops performed relatively well within the non-food sector.

Turnover in the food sector was almost equal to October 2008. Turnover achieved by supermarkets was nearly 1 percent up on twelve months previously, but sales in specialised food shops dropped by 5 percent.

Petrol stations faced nearly 10 percent loss of turnover in October.

The figures published in this update have been updated relative to the October retail figures released on 15 December 2009. The revision is based on more recent and detailed information.