In May 2008, retail turnover was 7.8 percent up on the same month one year previously. Retail prices were 2.5 percent higher, turnover volume rose 5.2 percent.
Turnover was affected positively by the more favourable shopping day pattern in May relative to May last year. After correction for the number of shopping days, turnover grew by more than 5 percent, according to the latest figures published by Statistics Netherlands.
Supermarkets continued the upward trend in May and realised a turnover growth of nearly 15 percent compared to May 2007. After adjustment for shopping days, turnover growth was 9 percent. Supermarket prices increased further.
Non-food retailers realised a 5.4 percent turnover increase. Most branches achieved good results in May. Clothes shops performed particularly well. May was the first month with temperatures in 2008. Turnover in consumer electronics dropped nearly 5 percent compared to May last year.