More business in city centre despite crisis

Despite the economic crisis, there has been an upward trend in retail sales in The Hague’s city centre over the past few years, according to a study by the provinces in the Randstad and the relevant Chambers of Commerce.

The increase in retail sales is due in particular to a growing number of people from outside the city who do their shopping in The Hague.

According to the study ‘Koopstromenonderzoek Randstad 2004-2011’ shop vacancy rates are on the rise in the Randstad. The biggest causes are the economic crisis and the increase in purchases made on internet. The shop vacancy rate in The Hague is still high but has decreased as compared to 2004. This was partially due to the redevelopment of the Megastores.

Bucking trends in Rotterdam and Utrecht, retail sales in The Hague rose over the past years. The shopping centre on the Leyweg and the Megastores did relatively well.

At the moment the municipality is working hard to modernise the Grote Markstraat and surrounding area.