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March 24, 2017RETAIL TRADE, JANUARY 2017 CORRECTION: AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE FEATURED INCORRECT CHARTS AND DATA RELATED TO RETAIL SALES BY SECTOR
JANUARY
In Canada in January 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 2.2% from December 2016 to $46.0 billion and increased 4.5% over January 2016. The growth index (2005=100) increased 3.3 points to 150.7 over the previous month.
In Nova Scotia, retail sales retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 2.1% from December 2016 to $1.2 billion and increased 6.4% over January 2016. The growth index (2005=100) increased 2.9 points to 142.4 over the previous month.
Canada and the Provinces
January 2017 saw month-over-month retail sales increase in every province. Growth was highest in Prince Edward Island (+4.3%) and Saskatchewan (+3.7%). Nova Scotia (+2.1%) ranked 8th among the provinces.
On a year-over-year basis, all ten provinces reported positive growth over the previous January. Prince Edward Island (+10.8%) led the way followed by British Columbia (+6.6%). Nova Scotia ranked 3rd (+6.4%).
Retail Trade Sectors
Comparing January 2017 to January 2016, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 4.9% ($47 million).
- Gasoline stations, 12 per cent of total sales, were up 27.2 per cent or $30 million.
- The motor vehicle sector, accounting for 26 per cent of retail sales in January 2017, was responsible for most of the dollar increase with a gain of $21 million (+9.9%).
- The Food and beverage sector, accounting for 23 per cent of total sales, was down 4.5 per cent or $12 million
Statistics Canada Quotes
"Following weaker sales in December, receipts were up in each of the maritime provinces as gains were observed in Nova Scotia (+2.1%) and Prince Edward Island (+4.3%), while New Brunswick edged up 0.1%."
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X
CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual