Retail turnover nearly 9 percent down

• Most substantial turnover decline in non-food sector since 2000
• Turnover figures petrol stations down due to lower fuel prices
  

In May 2009, retail turnover was nearly 9 percent down on the same month last year. Turnover volume dropped dramatically relative to last year, retail prices fell by 0.6 percent. According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, the price drop was almost entirely caused by lower fuel prices charged at petrol stations.

Fewer shopping days in May 2009 compared to May 2008 had a downward effect on retail turnover. After correction for this effect, retail turnover shrank by approximately 6 percent.

Within retail trade, there was a dramatic loss of turnover by nearly 11 percent in the non-food sector in May 2009 relative to the same month last year, the most dramatic downturn since 2000. The downturn was felt throughout all branches in the non-food sector. Only chemist’s shops managed to contain their losses.

Petrol stations were facing the largest turnover loss in the retail trade sector, almost entirely caused by lower motor fuel prices. Food, drinks and tobacco shops saw their turnover shrink by over 3 percent in May relative to May 2008. The unfavourable shopping day pattern

partly accounted for the downturn. After correction, turnover grew marginally.