Retail turnover dramatically down

14/05/2013 15:00

Turnover and volume non-food sector dramatically down in March
Poor results for clothes shops and DIY shops in March
Supermarkets generate higher turnover

According to the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands, retail turnover was 5.3 percent down in March from March 2012. Volume shrank by 7.8 percent; retail prices were 2.6 percent up.

The shopping-day pattern was less favourable than in March 2012. The neagative effect of the shopping-day pattern on sales is estimated at approximately 2 percent.

The non-food sector mainly accounts for the negative turnover growth in the retail sector. Non-food turnover and volume were respectively nearly 12 percent and more than 13 percent below the level of one year previously. Nearly all non-food branches suffered loss of turnover. Only chemist’s shops managed to retain last year’s turnover level. DIY shops, clothes shops and textile supermarkets were hit hardest. In several non-food branches, the relatively cold weather conditions in March may have had a downward effect on sales.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops realised a turnover growth of approximately 4 percent. Volume was marginally down from March last year. With a turnover growth of more than 5 percent, supermarkets account for the positive results in this branch. The increase is partly due to the fact that most consumers did their Easter purchases in March and last year in April.

Mail-order firms and online shops generated a turnover growth of nearly 6 percent.