Retail turnover down by 3 percent

In December, Dutch retailers faced a 3 percent loss of turnover compared to December 2008, while retail prices were 1 percent higher. Retail turnover is affected by the monthly number of shopping days and holidays. In December 2009, the pattern was more favourable than in December 2008. After an approximate correction for this effect, turnover was down 5 percent on December 2008.

Turnover generated in non-food stores dropped by more than 6 percent relative to December 2008. DIY suffered most with a decline of 7 percent, shops in home furnishing were down almost 5 percent. There was also a strong decline in turnover for opticians, mainly because of the massive purchases in December 2008, when there were tax benefits. Chemists and clothes shops realised a higher turnover than the year before.

Turnover in the food sector rose by 1 percent on the previous year. Sales achieved by supermarkets were up by 2 percent and turnover in specialised food shops fell by more than 5 percent.

Petrol stations achieved the same turnover in December as twelve months previously. Approximately one tenth of total retail turnover is generated by petrol stations.

Retail turnover