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October 20, 2017RETAIL TRADE, AUGUST 2017
In Nova Scotia in August 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 1.7% from July 2017 to $1.3 billion and increased 10.6% over August 2016.
In Canada in August 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 0.3% from July 2017 to $48.9 billion and increased 6.9% over August 2016.
Sectors
In Jan-Aug 2017, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 7.2% ($682 million) over Jan-Aug 2016.
- Motor vehicle stores: responsible for 28% of retail sales increased $238.1 million (+9.0%),
- Gas Stations: 13% of retail sales increased $121.7 million (+10.2%),
- Building Materials: 7% of retail sales increased $ 92.5 million (+14.6%),
- General merchandise: 11% of retail sales increased $ 73.8 million (+6.8%),
- Health care stores: 8% of retail sales increased $ 57.2 million (+7.7%),
- Food and beverage: 22% of retail sales increased $ 39.5 million (+1.8%),
- Furniture stores: 2% of retail sales increased $ 29.8 million (+15.1%),
- Misc. retail: 2% of retail sales increased $ 16.1 million (+8.6%),
- Electronic stores: 1% of retail sales increased $ 13.8 million (+11.7%), and
- Sporting & Hobby: 2% of retail sales increased $ 3.7 million (+2.4%).
- Clothing stores: 3% of retail sales declined $ 4.1 million (-1.2%).
Canada and the Provinces
Four of 10 provinces reported positive month-over-month (August 2017 vs July 2017) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. Nova Scotia, led the way at 1.7% followed by Manitoba (+1.1%), Newfoundland (+0.5%) and Ontario (+0.3%). Prince Edward Island (-1.0%), New Brunswick (-0.3%), Quebec (-1.2%), Alberta (-0.4%), British Columbia (-1.0%) and Saskatchewan (-2.0%) reported negative growth. Canada reported growth at -0.3%.
All provinces reported positive year-over year (Aug 2017 over Aug 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. Nova Scotia led the way at +10.6%. British Columbia (+10.3%) also reported double digit year-over-year growth.Canada reported +6.9% growth.
All provinces reported positive year-to-date (Jan-Aug 2017 over Jan-Aug 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. British Columbia led the way at +9.2%. Nova Scotia (+6.7%) ranked 5th. Canada reported +6.9% growth.
Statistics Canada Quote:
"In Nova Scotia (+1.7%), sales increased for the fourth consecutive month on higher sales at new car dealers. Excluding sales at this store type, retail sales in Nova Scotia decreased in August."
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual