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February 22, 2017RETAIL TRADE, DECEMBER and ANNUAL 2016
DECEMBER
In Canada in December 2016 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 0.5% from November 2016 to $44.9 billion and increased 4.3% over December 2015. The growth index (2005=100) decreased 0.7 points to 147.3 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia, retail sales were down for the first time in six months. In December 2016, retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 1.4% from November 2016 to $1.2 billion and increased 3.7% over December 2015. The growth index (2005=100) decreased 1.9 points to 138.8 over the previous month.
Canada and the Provinces
December 2016 saw month-over-month retail sales down in eight provinces. Stores, usually associated with holiday shopping, reported weaker sales in December. Only Saskatchewan (+1.2%) and Alberta (+1.1%) reported positive Nov-Dec growth in retail sales. Nova Scotia (-1.4%) ranked 10th among the provinces.
However, on a year-over-year basis, all ten provinces reported positive growth over the previous December. British Columbia (+7.2%) led the way followed closely by Prince Edward Island (+7.1%). Nova Scotia ranked 5th (+3.7%) behind Quebec (+4.9%) and Ontario (+4.2%).
ANNUAL
Canada and the Provinces
On an annual basis, in 2016, Canada retail sales have increased 3.7 per cent over 2015 to $532 billion.
Growth has been strongest in Prince Edward Island (6.6%), and British Columbia (6.4%). Among the provinces, Nova Scotia (+4.1%) ranked, 6th in annual retail growth. Only Alberta (-1.6%) reported negative annual retail growth over the previous year.
Retail Trade Sectors
In 2016, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 4.2% ($579 million) over 2015.
- The motor vehicle sector, accounting for 26 per cent of retail sales in 2016, was responsible for most of the dollar increase with a gain of $364 million (+10.7%).
- Building Materials with an increase of $82 million (+9.5%) and General Merchandise increase of $96 million (+5.6%) were the next largest contributors to growth.
- Furniture stores, 2 per cent of total sales, were up 6.2%, and Clothing stores, 4 per cent of total sales, were up 3.4%. Each sector added $20 million to total sales.
- Gasoline stations, 12 per cent of total sales, were up 0.7 per cent or $12 million.
- Health Care stores, Sports and Hobby stores, and Misc. retail -- together added another $26 million to total sales.
- The Food and beverage sector, accounting for 23 per cent of total sales, was down 1.0 per cent or $32.0 million and
- Electronics stores, accounting for 1 per cent of total sales, were down 3.6 per cent or $8 million
Statistics Canada Quotes
"In Nova Scotia (-1.4%), retail sales were down for the first time in six months"
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual