Retail turnover down

Turnover generated by the Dutch retail sector was 0.7 percent down in August from August 2012. Prices of retail commodities were on average 2.4 percent higher. The volume of retail sales fell by 3.0 percent relative to one year previously. The shopping-day pattern was more favourable in August this year than in August 2012. The positive effect of the shopping-day pattern on turnover is estimated at approximately 1.0 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drinks and tobacco shops was 2.7 percent up from twelve months previously. On average, food, drinks and tobacco prices were 3.9 percent higher. Turnover volume decreased by 1.2 percent.

The non-food sector, on the other hand, faced a turnover loss of 2.1 percent. Prices of non-food products rose by an average of 1.7 percent. Turnover volume in the non-food sector was 3.7 percent down. DIY shops and consumer electronics shops suffered substantial turnover losses. Turnover realised by clothes shops and home furnishing shops fell marginally, but chemist shops, textile supermarkets and household appliances shops realised turnover growth compared to twelve months previously.

Mail-order firms and online shops saw turnover rise by 6.1 percent relative to August 2012.

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.