Retail turnover in decline

Turnover generated by the Dutch retail sector was 2.6 percent down in December 2013 from December 2012. Retail prices were 0.4 percent up on twelve months previously. The volume of retail sales fell by 2.9 percent. The shopping-day pattern was less favourable in December 2013 than in December 2012.The downward effect thereof on turnover is estimated at approximately 2 percent.

Shops in the non-food sector faced 4.5 percent loss of turnover. Prices of non-food products were at the same level as in December 2012. Turnover declined across nearly all sectors, but DIY shops and household appliances shops suffered most. Only textile supermarkets achieved better results than one year previously. Turnover realised in the food-sector was 1.6 percent down. Retail prices of food articles were 1.2 percent higher; the volume of sales shrank by 2.7 percent.

Turnover generated by mail-order firms and online shops rose by 20.3 percent in December compared to December 2012. These businesses have outperformed traditional shops for quite some time now. In 2013, their turnover was up by 10.3 percent, whereas turnover realised by the entire retail sector fell by 2.1 percent.

Retail turnover