Netherlands sees drop in city‑centre foot traffic as household consumption rises

In the second quarter of 2026 the average number of pedestrians in Dutch city centres fell 4.1% compared with the same period in 2025, a slowdown from the 8.4% decline recorded in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, Dutch households increased their consumption in May 2026 by 1.8% year‑on‑year, according to CBS data adjusted for price changes and calendar effects. The rise was driven chiefly by higher purchases of durable goods – cars, shoes, clothing and home items – which rose 6.4% over the year. Food spending rose 2.0% and overall spending on other goods such as energy and personal care grew 1.4%. Services spending expanded modestly by 0.3%, with gains in transport, communications, medical services and housing offset by lower outlays on hospitality and recreation.