Retail turnover down

Turnover in the Dutch retail sector was 0.4 percent smaller in April 2013 than in April 2012. Retail prices were 2.1 percent higher, whereas the volume of retail sales was 2.5 percent smaller. April 2013 had a different holiday and shopping-day pattern than April 2012. The positive effect of this on turnover is estimated at approximately 1 percent.

Turnover generated by food, drink and tobacco shops was 1.0 percent up from twelve months previously, whereas turnover in the non-food sector was 1.1 percent down. The non-food sector showed a mixed picture, however. Textile supermarkets generated substantially higher turnover levels and clothing shops and chemist shops also reported more turnover than in April 2012. Shops selling consumer electronics,  DIY items, household appliances and home furnishings, on the other hand, faced turnover losses.

Mail-order firms and online shops realised 13.1 percent turnover growth in April compared with twelve months previously.

These figures have been updated relative to the retail figures released on 13 June 2013.The revision is based on more recent and more detailed information.

Retail turnover

Retail turnover

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.       

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.