Retail turnover more than 3 percent up

Retail turnover was more than 3 percent higher in April 2011 than in April 2010. Higher prices contributed most to the increase. Articles sold by retailers were 2.5 percent more expensive than twelve months previously. The shopping-day pattern was slightly more favourable in April 2011 than in April 2010. The positive effect on turnover is estimated at approximately 0.5 percent.

Turnover in the food sector was more than 5 percent higher, entirely due to higher supermarket sales. Sales of specialised shops in the food sector virtually equalled the level of twelve months previously.

Turnover in the non-food sector was more than 1 percent higher than in April 2010. However, the various branches within this sector showed a mixed picture. Household appliances shops, chemist’s and clothes shops achieved far better results. Turnover in DIY shops was also higher, but only slightly. Textile supermarkets, home furnishing shops and consumer electronics shops, on the other hand, grappled with declining sales.

Petrol stations, mail order firms and online shops are also part of the Dutch retail sector. Petrol stations generated 7 percent more turnover, but motor fuel prices were more than 11 percent up on twelve months previously. Turnover growth of mail order firms and online shops slowed down to nearly 2 percent.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.