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July 22, 2016RETAIL TRADE, MAY 2016
In Canada May 2016 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.2% from April 2016 to $44.3 billion and increased 3.6% over May 2015. The growth index (2005=100) increased 0.2 points to 145.2 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia May 2016, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.4% from April 2016 to $1.19 billion and increased 0.5% over May 2015. The growth index (2005=100) increased 0.5 points to 136.1 over the previous month.
In January-May 2016 Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 5.9% ($300 million) over January-May 2015. The motor vehicle sector, accounting for 27 per cent of retail sales in the January to May 2016 period, was responsible for the majority of the dollar increase with a gain of $209 million (+16.8%). Building Materials with an increase of $57 million (+20.1%) and General Merchandise increase of $48 million (+7.9%) also contributed to the growth in retail sales between Jan-May 2016 and Jan-May 2015. The food and beverage sector, accounting for 24 per cent of total sales, was down 1.6 per cent or $21 million and gasoline stations, 11 per cent of total sales, was down 4.5 per cent or $29 million.
Canada and the Provinces
Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec had the fastest growth in retail sales this month as both gained 1 per cent. Sales were up year-over-year in eight provinces with Alberta and Saskatchewan seeing small declines compared to May 2015. On a year-to-date basis, Canada retail sales have increased 4.9 per cent, growth has been strongest outside three provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador (+3.1%), Saskatchewan (+0.7%) and Alberta (-1.1%).
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual