Stable turnover results for retail sector in February

• Retail turnover 0.1 percent up in February
• Further growth turnover and volume non-food sector
• Good results for consumer electronics shops and DIY shops in February

In February 2014,  turnover results achieved by the retail sector were  marginally (0.1 percent) above the level of one year previously. Retail prices were 0.3 percent lower, whereas the volume of retail sales grew 0.4 percent, as the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands show.

The non-food sector realised nearly 1 percent turnover growth relative to February 2013. Volume growth exceeded 1 percent. Prices of non-food articles fell by an average of 0.5 percent. Consumer electronics shops and DIY shops performed well, generating a turnover growth by 9 and 5 percent respectively. Consumer electronics shops recorded the first turnover growth since September 2012. DIY shops have not had positive results since January 2012. Textile supermarkets also realised turnover growth compared to February last year, but household appliances shops, clothing shops, home furnishing shops and chemist’s shops saw turnover decline.

Food, drinks and tobacco shops realised a 0.6 percent turnover growth. Volume did not change, prices were nearly 1 percent higher than one year previously. Supermarkets and specialist shops recorded marginal turnover growth.

Mail-order firms and online shops attained a turnover growth of 6 percent.

Since the shopping-day pattern in February 2014 was the same as in February 2013, there were no effects on retail turnover.