Retail turnover down again in second quarter

In the second quarter of 2005 turnover in Dutch retail trade was 2.4 percent down on the same period last year. For the ninth time in a row retail turnover was lower than in the previous quarter. Retail prices in the second quarter were 1.1 percent down on last year’s second quarter. Turnover volume dropped 1.3 percent, according to recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands.

Turnover  food sector 1.5 percent down

Turnover in shops selling food, drinks and tobacco was 1.5 percent lower in the second quarter of this year than in the same quarter of 2004. Turnover in supermarkets, accounting for 80 percent of turnover in the food sector, was 1.5 percent lower. Food prices were 1.1 percent down, volume of turnover shrank by 0.4 percent.

Turnover non-food sector also in decline

Turnover of the non-food sector in the second quarter was 3.2 percent down on twelve months ago. Turnover losses were recorded in all retail branches in the non-food sector, most evidently in chemist’s shops. Considerable turnover losses were also recorded in shops selling household articles and consumer electronics.

Retail turnover slightly up in June

Retail turnover in June was 1.0 percent up on the same month last year. Prices in shops were 1.1 percent lower than in June 2004, whereas turnover volume was 2.1 percent higher. Notably clothes shops and textile and DIY supermarkets recorded a relatively sharp rise in turnover in June.

More shopping days in June 2005, compared to June 2004, effected turnover rates positively.

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