The Netherlands leads global efforts to improve textile industry
The Netherlands is joining forces with Bangladesh to chair a group of donor countries, companies and civil society organisations that will tackle abuses in Bangladesh’s textile industry. LiliannePloumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, is also making 9 million euros available to help improve the appalling conditions suffered by the country’s textile workers. The Netherlands will cofinance these efforts together with the textile sector.

‘All those involved – the textile industry, manufacturers, consumers and governments – must shoulder their responsibility now in order to break this vicious circle,’ said the Minister, stressing the synergy between aid and trade. ‘We can’t keep blaming each other.’

As co-chair of the coordination group, the Netherlands will engage in political dialogue with the Bangladeshi authorities and employer organisations on behalf of its fellow donor countries, coordinating and monitoring international efforts in this area. In the Netherlands, Ms Ploumen is discussing the matter with the companies and organisations involved to produce a detailed joint action plan with measurable goals and a clear schedule. The sector expects to have the plan ready in June.
Source: www.government.nl

Consumers
In 2012, the Netherlands had a total population of 16.7 million people, which is a relatively high number considering its small geographic size (approximately 41,000 square kilometres). In terms of population, the Netherlands is the largest of the small countries of Western Europe. It is significantly smaller than neighbouring countries such as France, the United Kingdom and Germany, but also considerably more populated than countries of a similar size, such as Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

There is very little discrepancy between rural and urban areas in the Netherlands. Of course, isolated villages in the north of the provinces of Groningen or Friesland are strikingly different from cosmopolitan cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and there are some significant differences when it comes to language, social behaviour and ethnic composition. However, due to the small size of the country, almost everyone in the countryside lives within easy distance of at least a relatively sizeable town.

Consumer expenditure
Household consumption is divided roughly equally between spending on goods and spending on services, although the share of services has been edging upwards in recent years and now comprises just over one-half of the total. Housing-related spending accounts for around 29 percent of total household spending, including costs for housing and household fuels, as well as household goods and services.

From: NL EVD International

The Dutch Advertising Code contains a body of rules with which all advertising should comply. It stipulates, among other things, that advertisements may not be misleading or untrue. It also contains a number of subjective standards, one of which stipulates that advertising must not be gratuitously offensive or at odds with good taste and decency. The Special Codes apply to advertising for specific products and services. The Dutch Advertising Code. Information on rules and regulations regarding advertising and the Dutch Advertising

Distribution

The Netherlands is considered by many as the logistics gateway to the European market. Many international companies have opened sales and marketing offices, R&D centres, and distribution centres in the Netherlands, to serve their customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

The features that make the Netherlands ideal for European supply chain activities include: its central location within the European mainland; excellent seaport and airport facilities; extensive infrastructure with fast connections; advantageous tax and customs legislation; international business community; and a flexible, productive, and highly educated labour force. The logistics services industry is, therefore, highly developed in the Netherlands, and many international logistics services providers have major distribution facilities in the Netherlands.

The Port of Rotterdam has grown to be one of the busiest ports in the world by offering a broad range of services and by developing value chains. The Port of Amsterdam is the second seaport in the country.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is the main international airport for passengers and freight in the Netherlands, due to its advanced distribution and transportation capabilities. As a major global air hub, Schiphol serves international markets.

Retail market
In the Netherlands you will find some 120,000 companies in the retail sector employing around 770,000 people.

Links to dutch clothing shops:

http://clothing-shops.net/shops/dutch_shops/

http://www.amsterdamtips.com/tips/dutch-shops.ph