Robust growth retail turnover

  • Turnover supermarkets nearly 15 percent up
  • Most non-food retailers achieve good results

In May 2008, retail turnover was 7.8 percent up on the same month one year previously. Retail prices were 2.5 percent higher, turnover volume rose 5.2 percent. Food as well as non-food shops achieved better results. Turnover was affected positively by the more favourable shopping day pattern in May relative to May last year. After correction for the number of shopping days, turnover grew by more than 5 percent, according to the latest figures published by Statistics Netherlands.

Supermarkets continued the upward trend in May and realised a turnover growth  of nearly 15 percent compared to May 2007. After adjustment for shopping days, turnover growth was 9 percent. Supermarket prices increased further. Prices of fresh vegetables rose substantially compared to twelve months ago. In May 2008, prices of fresh vegetables were 5 percent higher than in May 2007.

Non-food retailers realised a 5.4 percent turnover increase. Most branches achieved good results in May. Clothes shops performed particularly well. May was the first month with temperatures in 2008. Turnover in consumer electronics dropped nearly 5 percent compared to May last year.

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