Retail turnover up by 2.9 percent in March

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Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that retail turnover was 2.9 percent higher in March 2025, year on year. Sales volume was up by 3.4 percent. Turnover in the non-food sector (including retail not in shops) increased by 3.6 percent, and turnover in the food sector (shops selling food, beverages and tobacco) increased by 1.8 percent. Meanwhile, online retail turnover rose by 7.7 percent, year on year.

The figures for retail turnover have been adjusted to reflect the shopping days in March, because more is sold on certain days of the week than on other days. Without such an adjustment, retail turnover in March would have been 2.5 percent higher than the previous year.

Turnover in non-food sector up by 3.6 percent

Turnover in the non-food sector was up by 3.6 percent in March, year on year. Sales volume (turnover adjusted for price changes) was up by 4.8 percent on March 2025.

Turnover in shops selling home furnishings grew by 6.0 percent, year on year. Turnover in shops selling recreational goods was up by 4.7 percent. Turnover in shops selling DIY products (including kitchens and flooring) grew by 2.5 percent and among chemists it grew by 2.2 percent. Turnover in clothes shops and shops selling consumer electronics was up by around 2 and 1 percent respectively. However, turnover in shops selling footwear and leather products was down year on year.

Turnover in food sector up by 1.8 percent

Turnover in shops selling food, beverages and tobacco rose by 1.8 percent in March, year on year. Sales volume was 0.4 percent higher. Turnover in supermarkets was up by 2.0 percent, and in specialty shops it grew by 0.6 percent.

Online turnover 7.7 percent higher

Turnover among online retailers was up by 7.7 percent in March, year on year. Online retailers (whose core activity is selling goods and services over the internet) recorded an increase in turnover of 6.5 percent. Online turnover among multi-channel retailers (retailers selling goods and services over the internet as a secondary activity) was up by 9.7 percent.

Online turnover for consumer electronics rose by almost 17 percent and for clothing and fashion by 12.5 percent. Online turnover for food and personal care products and for other non-food products was up by 8.4 percent and 4.0 percent, respectively.

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