Retail turnover down

In May 2013, turnover generated by the Dutch retail sector was 0.6 percent down from May 2012. Retail prices were 2.5 percent higher, whereas the volume of retail sales was 3.0 percent below the level of the same month last year. The shopping-day pattern in May 2013 was different from May 2012. The positive effect turnover is estimated at nearly 2 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drink and tobacco shops was 5.0 percent up from May 2012. Prices of food, drink and tobacco products were 4.3 percent higher. The volume of sales was 0.7 percent up from twelve months previously.

The non-food sector faced a 3.5 percent turnover loss relative to May 2012. Prices of non-food products rose by an average of 1.7 percent. The volume of sales was 5.1 percent down. Turnover declined across the board in the non-food sector, but consumer electronics shops and DIY shops suffered most.

Mail-order firms and online shops realised substantially higher turnover levels, just as in the preceding months. Their turnover was 11.1 percent higher than in May 2012.

Retail turnover