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April 17, 2015RETAIL TRADE, FEBRUARY 2015 
In Canada February 2015 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 1.7% from January 2015 to $42.2 billion and increased 2.5% over February 2014. The growth index (2005=100) increased 2.4 points to 138.5 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia February 2015, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) declined 1.7% from January 2015 to $1.1 billion and decreased 4.8% over February 2014. The growth index (2005=100) declined 2.3 points to 125.1 over the previous month.
In January-February 2015 Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales decreased 3.95% (-$74.0 million) over January-February 2015. Large dollar declines were observed in Gas Stations, down $83.9 million (-26.1%) and Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers down $25.4 million (-6.76%). Food and Beverage stores increased $24.7 million (+4.94%) and General Merchandise Stores were up $19.5 million (+9.54%).
Canada and the Provinces
British Columbia led in year-to-date (8.3%), year-over-year (+11.8%) and month-over-month (+5.9%) growth in retail sales. Nova Scotia ranked 9th in year-to-date (-3.2%), 10th in year-over-year (-4.8%), and 10th in month-over-month (-1.7%) retail sales.
Statistics Canada Quote
"Nova Scotia (-1.7%) reported its seventh consecutive monthly sales decrease. Lower sales at new car dealers was the main contributor to the decline."
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual