Retail turnover down

Turnover generated by the Dutch retail sector was1.5 percent down in October 2013 from October 2012. On average, retail prices were at approximately the same level as twelve months previously. The volume of retail sales fell by 1.6 percent. The shopping-day pattern was somewhat more favourable in October this year than in October 2012. The upward effect thereof on turnover is estimated at approximately 1 percent.

Shops in the non-food sector faced 3.3 percent loss of turnover. Prices of non-food products fell by an average of 0.5 percent and the volume of sales declined by 2.8 percent. Year-on-year turnover growth may be affected by tax measures. On 1 October 2012, the high VAT rate in the Netherlands was raised from 19 to 21 percent. Pending the higher VAT rate, many Dutch consumers may have bought expensive items in September instead of October last year.

Turnover realised in the food-sector was 1.9 percent up from one year previously. On average, prices of non-food articles were 2.0 percent higher; the volume of sales was marginally down by 0.2 percent. Turnover generated by mail-order firms and online shops rose by 9.9 percent compared to October 2012. In the preceding months, turnover levels had also been substantially higher than twelve months previously.

Retail turnover