Retail turnover remains stable

Turnover generated by the Dutch retail sector was at approximately the same level in February 2014 as in February 2013. Average retail prices were 0.3 percent down from twelve months previously. The volume of retail sales grew by 0.4 percent. The shopping-day pattern was the same in February 2014 as in February 2013.

Turnover realised in the sector food, drinks and tobacco was 0.6 percent up from February 2013. Retail prices were 0.7 percent higher; the volume of sales was marginally smaller than twelve months previously.

The non-food sector achieved 0.7 percent more turnover. Prices of non-food products were 0.5 percent lower and the volume of non-food sales was 1.3 percent higher than one year previously. The non-food sector showed a mixed picture. Consumer electronics shops and DIY shops realised substantially higher turnover levels, whereas household appliances shops, clothes shops, home furnishing shops and chemist’s shops faced turnover losses.

Mail-order firms and on-line services are also included in the retail sector. They have outperformed traditional shops for quite some time now. In February 2014, turnover generated by mail-order firms and online shops was 5.9 percent higher than in February 2013.

The majority of retail sales is generated by traditional shopkeepers. In 2013, non-food shops accounted for 48 percent of total retail turnover; shops in the food-sector accounted for 37 percent. Petrol stations contributed 9 percent and sales through non-shop retail channels accounted for the remaining 6 percent.

Retail turnover