Consumers are buying more durable goods

In January 2006 households spent 1.5 percent more on goods and services than in January 2005. They spent considerably more on durable goods, such as household appliances and furniture, according to the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands. The monthly figures on consumption are corrected for price changes and differences in shopping day patterns.

More household appliances, clothing and furniture bought

Dutch consumer expenditure on goods in January 2006 was up by 2.3 percent on January 2005. The increase was mainly due to a greater consumption of durable goods, on which consumers spent 3.8 percent more. Households specifically bought more household appliances, clothing, shoes and furniture. Consumption of food, beverages and tobacco on the other hand were down by 0.2 percent on January 2005. Expenditure on services was 0.8 percent higher than the year before.

Expenditure is recovering

January 2006 was the eight month in a row in which domestic consumption was higher than the year before. The 1.5 percent growth rate is about the same as the average growth rate in consumption during the fourth quarter of 2005.

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