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November 23, 2017RETAIL TRADE, SEPTEMBER 2017
In Nova Scotia in September 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 2.5% from August 2017 to $1.3 billion and increased 5.3% over September 2016.
In Canada in September 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) increased 0.1% from August 2017 to $49.1 billion and increased 6.2% over September 2016.
Sectors
In Jan-Sep 2017, Nova Scotia unadjusted retail sales increased 8.0% ($863 million) over Jan-Sep 2016.
- Motor vehicle stores: responsible for 29% of retail sales increased $333.2 million (+11.1%),
- Gas Stations: 13% of retail sales increased $124.1 million (+9.1%),
- Building Materials: 7% of retail sales increased $ 126.7 million (+17.6%),
- General merchandise: 11% of retail sales increased $ 96.3 million (+7.8%),
- Health care stores: 8% of retail sales increased $ 68.3 million (+8.2%),
- Food and beverage: 22% of retail sales increased $ 57.8 million (+2.4%),
- Furniture stores: 2% of retail sales increased $ 34.5 million (+15.3%),
- Misc. retail: 2% of retail sales increased $ 16.1 million (+7.4%), and
- Electronic stores: 1% of retail sales increased $ 14.2 million (+10.4%).
- Sporting & Hobby: 2% of retail sales decreased $ 0.1 million (-0.1%).
- Clothing stores: 3% of retail sales declined $ 8.3 million (-2.1%).
Canada and the Provinces
Five of 10 provinces reported positive month-over-month (September 2017 vs August 2017) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. New Brunswick led the way at 2.1% followed by Newfoundland (+1.8%), Ontario (+0.5%), British Columbia (+0.4%) and Alberta (+0.3%). Prince Edward Island (-1.5%), Manitoba (-1.0%), Quebec (-0.5%), and Saskatchewan (-0.8%) all reported negative growth. Nova Scotia ranked 10th at -2.5%. Canada reported growth at +0.1%.
All provinces reported positive year-over year (Sep 2017 over Sep 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. New Brunswick led the way at +10.9%. The other provinces reported single-digit growth between 2.4% and 9.8%. Nova Scotia ranked 5th at 5.3%. Canada reported +6.2% growth.
All provinces reported positive year-to-date (Jan-Sep 2017 over Jan-Sep 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. British Columbia led the way at +9.3%. Nova Scotia (+6.4%) ranked 6th. Canada reported +6.8% growth.
E-Commerce
In Canada, retail e-commerce sales (unadjusted) totalled $1.2 billion in September, accounting for 2.4% of total retail trade. On a year-over-year basis, retail e-commerce increased 16.7%. On a year-to-date basis (Jan-Sep), e-commerce sales increased 39% over the same period last year.
Statistics Canada Quote
"Following four consecutive monthly increases, Nova Scotia (-2.5%) posted lower sales in September, largely as a result of weaker sales at new car dealers."
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020 and 080-0027
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual
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