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July 21, 2017RETAIL TRADE, MAY 2017
In Nova Scotia in May 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.1% from April 2017 to $1.3 billion and increased 5.0% over May 2016.
In Canada in May 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.6% from April 2017 to $48.9 billion and increased 7.3% over May 2016.
Sectors
In Jan-May 2017, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 4.4% ($241 million) over Jan-May 2016.
- Gas Stations, responsible for 13% of retail sales, increased $97.1 million (+14.6%)
- Health care stores: 8% of retail sales increased $30.2 million (+6.6%)
- General merchandise: 12% of retail sales increased $32.9 million (+5.1%)
- Misc. retail: 2% of retail sales increased $7.1 million (+6.7%)
- Building Materials: 6% of retail sales increased $29.5 million (+8.5%)
- Electronic stores: 1% of retail sales increased $5.6 million (+7.9%)
- Sporting & Hobby: 2% of retail sales increased $2.6 million (+2.8%)
- Motor vehicle stores: 27% of retail sales increased $38.9 million (+2.5%)
- Furniture stores: 2% of retail sales increased $6.0 million (+5.1%)
- Food and beverage stores, responsible for 22% of retail sales, declined $1.8 million (-0.1%)
- Clothing stores: 3% of retail sales declined $6.8 million (-3.4%)
Canada and the Provinces
Eight of 10 provinces reported positive month-over-month (May 2017 vs April 2017) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. Two provinces reported negative growth: Prince Edward Island (-2.9%) and Quebec (-0.8%). Nova Scotia (+0.1%) ranked eighth. Canada reported +0.6% growth.
Nine of 10 provinces reported positive year-over year (May 2017 over May 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth, with Newfoundland and Labrador unchanged. British Columbia led the way at +9.9%. Nova Scotia (+5.0%) ranked seventh. Canada reported +7.3% growth.
All provinces reported positive year-to-date (Jan-May 2017 over Jan-May 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. Prince Edward Island led the way at +8.0%. Nova Scotia (+4.3%) ranked eighth. Canada reported +6.6% growth.
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual
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