Consumers spent more on services like phone and internet subscriptions in August, but less on goods. Households spent a total of 4.1% more in that month than in August last year. Growth is slightly lower than the previous month, Statistics Netherlands reported on Thursday.
In August, for example, consumers spent 10 percent more on services, such as insurance or a visit to the hairdresser, a restaurant or a football match. In the same month last year, some crown measures were still in effect in the restaurant business and at events. Spending on services accounts for half of all household spending.
The other half is the purchase of goods. Consumers spent 6% less on it. The decline was strongest in the non-food sector. Families bought fewer clothes, shoes and cars and also spent less on home furnishings. They also bought less food. The decrease was 3 percent.
Consumers were just as gloomy about the economy in October as they were in September when consumer confidence hit rock bottom. Confidence stood at -59 in October, just like in September. Consumers have been less negative on the economy, but the propensity to buy has worsened slightly.
