Dutch retail sales rose 2% in the third quarter of this year, the highest growth recorded since the start of the economic crisis in 2008.

In particular, high street chemists and shops selling furnishings have benefited from the rise, the national statistics office CBS said.

Improved consumer confidence and the upswing on the housing market are driving retail sales upwards.

Retailers are also optimistic about 2016 and 60% of supermarkets and electronic goods sellers expect a further improvement next year.