1 percent turnover growth in retail trade

• Sales non-food sector down slightly
• Turnover growth in consumer electronics
• Higher turnover in food, drinks and tobacc

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, retail sales in June 2012 were up by 1 percent on June 2011. Prices were 1.9 percent higher, while the sales volume contracted by 0.9 percent.

Turnover in the non-food sector declined very slighty in June. Turnover generated by DIY shops home furnishing shops, and textile supermarkets was lower than a year ago, as was the case in May.

Clothes stores also missed out as far as turnover was concerned. On the other hand chemist’s and household appliances shops and especially consumer electronics shops improved their sales on June 2011.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops generated a turnover growth of more than 4 percent. Sales in supermarket and specialist shops were up, mainly due to the positive shopping day effect.

Mail-order and online sales improved by approximately 8 percent. Petrol stations had 3 percent less turnover than 12 months earlier.

Despite the rise in turnover for June, retail trade saw a 2 percent decline in the second quarter of 2012. Although prices rose, the volume was lower than in the same quarter of 2011.