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January 20, 2017RETAIL TRADE, NOVEMBER 2016
In Canada in November 2016 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.2% from October 2016 to $45.2 billion and increased 3.0% over November 2015. The growth index (2005=100) increased 0.4 points to 148.3 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia in November 2016, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 2.0% from October 2015 to $1.2 billion and increased 4.3% over November 2015. The growth index (2005=100) increased 2.8 points to 142.2 over the previous month.
In January-November 2016, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 4.2% ($531 million) over January-November 2015. The motor vehicle sector, accounting for 27 per cent of retail sales in the January to November 2016 period, was responsible for the majority of the dollar increase with a gain of $341 million (+10.8%). Building Materials with an increase of $83 million (+10.5%) and General Merchandise increase of $94 million (+6.3%) were the next largest contributors to growth. The food and beverage sector, accounting for 23 per cent of total sales, was down 1.0 per cent or $30.0 million and gasoline stations, 12 per cent of total sales, was down 0.3 per cent or $5 million.
Canada and the Provinces
Prince Edward Island (+2.1%), Nova Scotia (+2.0%), and Saskatchewan (+1.6%) had the fastest growth in retail sales this month. Only Newfoundland and Labrador (-0.4%), Alberta (-0.5%) and British Columbia (-0.7%) saw declines month over month.
Sales were up year-over-year in seven provinces with only Newfoundland and Labrador (-1.9%), New Brunswick (-0.1%), and Alberta (-2.1%) recording a year-over-year decline.
On a year-to-date basis, Canada retail sales have increased 3.7 per cent, growth has been strongest in Prince Edward Island (6.6%).and British Columbia (6.5%). Among the provinces, Nova Scotia ranked 2nd in month-over-month percent growth, 4th in year-over-year percent growth and 5th in year-to-date percent growth.
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual