Households spent more than 6 percent more in January compared to the same month last year. We mainly spent more on the hospitality industry, but also visited cinemas, theaters and museums more often. We also bought more clothing, textiles, shoes and electrical appliances, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands on Wednesday.
As in previous months, consumers spent more on services, but less on goods. This is mainly because the non-essential shops and the service sector were still struggling with strict corona measures last year. At the time, catering, cinemas, theaters and museums had to close their doors for almost the entire month.
Consumers spent 12.2 percent more on services such as telephone and internet subscriptions, insurance, a visit to the hairdresser or a visit to a football match or restaurant. People spent 5 percent less on food, drinks and tobacco. However, 5.3 percent more was spent on durable goods, with more clothing, textiles, shoes and electrical appliances being purchased.
Spending on other goods was 3.1 percent less. Households have cut back on energy consumption as it was slightly less cold in January than a year earlier. Consumers did spend more on motor fuels and personal care.