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May 22, 2015RETAIL TRADE, MARCH 2015 
In Canada March 2015 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.7% from February 2015 to $42.5 billion and increased 3.1% over March 2014. The growth index (2005=100) increased 0.9 points to 139.2 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia March 2015, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) declined 0.7% from February 2015 to $1.1 billion and decreased 4.5% over March 2014. The growth index (2005=100) declined 0.9 points to 124.3 over the previous month.
In January-March 2015 Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales decreased 5.12% (-$149.3 million) over January-March 2014. Large dollar declines were observed in Gas Stations, down $125.7 million (-25.34%) and Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers down $45.6 million (-7.48%). Food and Beverage store sales increased $23.4 million (+3.07%) and General Merchandise Stores were up $21.8 million (+6.85%).
Canada and the Provinces
British Columbia led in year-to-date (9.8%), and year-over-year (+7.9%) growth in retail sales. Manitoba led in month-over-month (+1.9%) growth in retail sales. Nova Scotia ranked 9th in year-to-date (-3.7%), 10th in year-over-year (-4.5%), and 8th in month-over-month (-0.7%) retail sales.
Statistics Canada Quote
"Receipts in Nova Scotia (-0.7%) decreased for the eighth consecutive month, falling to their lowest level since
July 2012."
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual