nuOct 1, 2026, 05:57

Retail sales rise in August, largest growth in a year

Dutch retailers reported their highest revenue growth in a year during August 2026, with overall sales volume rising by 2.7 percent. The growth was led by the non-food sector and strong online sales, while food sector growth remained more limited.

Retailers in the Netherlands experienced their strongest sales growth in a year during August 2026. Data from the Dutch statistical bureau CBS indicates that the overall sales volume increased by 2.7 percent compared to the previous year. This positive trend was primarily driven by the non-food sector, which saw a 5 percent increase in revenue, while the food sector grew more modestly at 0.9 percent.

Within the non-food category, furniture and home furnishing stores saw the most significant growth at over 7 percent, followed by recreation equipment retailers. Online shopping also performed well, recording an increase of over 6 percent in revenue. While nearly all sub-sectors showed improvement, retailers specializing in footwear and leather goods were the only group to report lower revenue figures compared to August 2025. These figures are adjusted for the composition of shopping days to provide a clearer comparison of retail performance.

Economy Business Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

New strike in regional transport: fewer buses and trains on Thursday

Regional transport workers in the Netherlands are set to hold another strike this Thursday, leading to reduced bus and train services. This action is part of an ongoing dispute over a new collective labor agreement, with unions planning weekly walkouts until Christmas if negotiations remain unresolved.

Not selling out is not a death blow for festival: 'But be careful not to price yourself out of the market'

Festival organizations in the Netherlands faced a challenging summer marked by extreme weather, rising operational costs, and fluctuating ticket sales. Despite these significant hurdles, industry professionals remain optimistic due to the sector's inherent creativity and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

Gall & Gall and Etos websites back online, apps remain unreachable

The websites for Gall & Gall, Etos, and Albert Heijn are back online following a recent cybersecurity incident at Ahold Delhaize, though some app features and delivery services remain restricted. While the investigation into the cause is ongoing, the company has confirmed no current evidence of data theft and normal supply chain operations have resumed.

Number of cybersecurity companies more than quadrupled in five years

The number of registered cybersecurity companies in the Netherlands has quadrupled since 2021, reaching 962 by October 2024. This rapid growth is driven by increasing cyber threats and regulatory changes, highlighting the ongoing challenge for organizations to protect their digital systems.

Low incomes spend more on childcare: can make a ten-euro monthly difference

Childcare organizations in the Netherlands are increasingly charging rates that exceed government subsidies, placing a greater financial burden on low-income families. Experts warn that these rising costs could reduce childcare accessibility for children who would benefit most from early development services.