Retail turnover higher

Dutch retailers generated 3 percent more turnover in March than in March 2009. Turnover increased for the first time after more than a year of losses compared with the same period one year previously. Retail turnover is affected by the monthly number of shopping days and holidays. This was more favourable in March 2010 than in March 2009. The positive effect on March’s turnover is estimated at over 2 percent.

Turnover generated in the non-food sector grew by 2 percent compared to March 2009. Clothes shops and textile supermarkets realised 6 and 9 percent more turnover respectively. Chemist’s shops and shops selling household articles also realised more turnover. DIY shops, on the other hand, faced a 6 percent turnover loss. Shops selling furniture also suffered turnover losses.

Turnover in the food sector grew by nearly 3 percent. Supermarket sales were up by 3 percent, while turnover realised by specialised food shops equalled the level of  one year previously.

Petrol stations realised more than 7 percent more turnover in March than one year previously, largely as a result of higher fuel prices. About one tenth of total retail turnover is generated by petrol stations.

Retail turnover