Retail turnover growth 0.8 percent

• January 2012 also shows higher retail prices and volume decline
• Turnover non-food sector more than 1 percent down

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, retail turnover was 0.8 percent up on one year previously in January 2012. Retail prices rose by 2.6 percent, the volume of sales dropped by 1.7 percent.

January’s shopping-day pattern was more favourable in 2012 than in 2011. After correction for this effect, the turnover decline in January 2012 was nearly 1 percent and the volume of sales shrank by more than 3 percent.

Turnover generated in the food sector grew by nearly 3 percent. The growth was almost entirely attributable to higher prices. Volume growth was almost negligible. Supermarkets realised a turnover growth of more than 3 percent, specialist shops suffered loss of turnover.

Turnover in the non-food sector decreased by more than 1 percent; prices were higher and sales dropped. Household appliances shops generated a substantial turnover growth, but turnover generated by chemist shops, DIY shops and clothes shops grew less rapidly. Home furnishing shops and consumer electronics shops recorded a negative turnover growth compared to one year ago.

Mail-order firms and online shops achieved a 7 percent turnover growth. They enable consumers to order goods online and/or by mail. Despite declining sales, petrol stations had a 3 percent higher turnover.