Modest growth retail turnover

• Turnover growth petrol stations induced by higher fuel prices
• Turnover non-food sector stable

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, retail sales in the first quarter of 2011 were 1.7 percent up on the same period last year. Turnover growth is entirely due to price increases. The volume of sales was just below the level of 2010.

Within the retail sector, petrol stations accounted for the most substantial turnover growth (more than 11 percent) in the first quarter relative to the same quarter last year. Motor fuel prices were considerably higher. The volume of petrol sales hardly changed. Online retail trade also performed well generating a turnover growth of nearly 8 percent.

Turnover in the non-food sector in the first quarter was more or less the same as in the corresponding period last year. The situation in the non-food sector has not improved. Within the sector, DIY shops and household appliances shops realised a higher turnover in the first quarter of 2011. Textile supermarkets and home furnishing shops were grappling with declining sales.

In the sector food, drinks and tobacco, sales were more than 0.5 percent up on the first quarter. The price level was more than 1 percent higher. The volume of sales contracted relative to twelve months ago.