Retail sales in the Netherlands were up 9.2% in the third quarter compared with the year earlier period, the biggest increase since 2005, national statistics agency CBS said on Tuesday.

Sales were boosted by a 38% increase in online shopping – down from the second quarter’s 55% increase but still a major rise on 2019, the CBS said.

Supermarket sales rose 6% in the July to September period, but specialist cheese, wine and vegetable stores saw their sales go up 9% year-on-year.

DIY stores and furniture shops showed the biggest growth, with sales up 19% and 17% respectively.