Dutch Retail Sales Rise 2.7 Percent in September

Statistics Netherlands reported that Dutch retail sales increased by 2.7 percent in September compared to the previous year. The growth was primarily driven by a 4.6 percent rise in non-food sales, which offset a 0.5 percent decline in food sales.

Within the non-food sector, recreational goods stores experienced the highest gains at nearly 8 percent. Furniture and household stores were the only subsector in this category to report lower turnover. Online retail sales grew by 4.5 percent, with consumer electronics showing the strongest performance at 7.2 percent.

Food sales showed mixed results. Supermarket sales fell by 1 percent, while specialist food shops saw a 3.1 percent increase. The reported figures exclude fuel stations and have been adjusted for shopping-day patterns.