Retail turnover up by almost 3 percent in May | Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

The figures for retail turnover have been adjusted for calendar days in May, because more is sold on certain days of the week than on other days. Without such an adjustment, retail turnover in May 2024 would have been 4.2 percent higher than one year previously.

Turnover in non-food sector up by 4.5 percent

Turnover in the non-food sector was up by 4.5 percent in May, year on year. Sales volume (turnover adjusted for price changes) was up by 6.6 percent from one year previously.

Shops selling consumer electronics and white goods, chemists, clothes shops, shops selling footwear and leather products, shops selling DIY products (including kitchens and flooring) and those selling recreational goods saw year-on-year turnover growth in May. However, shops selling furniture and home furnishings recorded a decrease in turnover.

Turnover in food sector remained unchanged

Turnover in shops selling food, beverages and tobacco in May was virtually the same as a year earlier. Sales volume was 2.0 percent lower. Turnover in supermarkets was down by 0.6 percent, while turnover in specialty shops was up by 4.3 percent.

Online turnover 1.6 percent higher

Turnover among online retailers was up by 1.6 percent in May, year on year. Online retailers (whose core activity is selling goods and services over the internet) recorded an increase in turnover of 7.2 percent. Multi-channel retailers (retailers selling goods and services over the internet as a secondary activity) saw turnover in their online sales fall by 5.3 percent.

Online turnover for food and personal care products and for other non-food products was higher in May 2024 than it was one year previously. However, online turnover for clothing and fashion items decreased.