The Economics and Statistics Division maintains archives of previous publications for accountability purposes, but makes no updates to keep these documents current with the latest data revisions from Statistics Canada. As a result, information in older documents may not be accurate. Please exercise caution when referring to older documents. For the latest information and historical data, please contact the individual listed to the right.
<--- Return to Archive
For additional information relating to this article, please contact:
February 22, 2018RETAIL TRADE DECEMBER AND ANNUAL 2017 DECEMBER
In Nova Scotia in December 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 1.2% from November 2017 to $1.3 billion and increased 5.2% over December 2016. The Nova Scotia retail trade index (2015=100) declined to 112.3, over November 2016.
In Canada in December 2017 retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 0.8% from November 2017 to $49.6 billion and increased 5.8% over December 2016. The Canada retail trade index (2015=100) declined to 113.7 over November 2016.
Canada and the Provinces
Six of 10 provinces reported negative month-over-month (December 2017 vs November 2017) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. Declines were reported in Ontario (-1.6%), Manitoba (-1.4%). Nova Scotia (-1.2%), Alberta (-0.5%), British Columbia (-0.6%) and New Brunswick (-0.04%). Canada reported growth at -0.8%.
All provinces reported positive year-over year (Dec 2017 over Dec 2016) seasonally adjusted retail sales growth. British Columbia (+11.5%) was the only province reporting double-digit growth. The other provinces reported single-digit growth between 2.8% and 9.0%. Canada reported +5.8% year-over-year growth. Nova Scotia (+5.2%) was slightly below the national average.
ANNUAL (Preliminary)
All provinces reported positive seasonally adjusted annual retail sales growth. Amoung the provinces, annual growth rates ranged from +2.9% (Newfoundland and Labrador) and +9.7% (British Columbia). In Nova Scotia 2017, the annual seasonally adjusted retail growth was +6.3%, slightly below the national average of 6.7%.
Sectors
In Nova Scotia 2017, unadjusted Retail Trade increased 6.2% (+$915.7 million) to $15.6 billion over 2016.
Motor Vehicle with a 27% share of Retail Trade increased 7.2% (+$284.9 million). Furniture with a 2% share increased 22.1% (+$69.4 million). Electronics with a 1% share increased 5.0% (+$10.3 million). Building Material with a 7% share increased 14.8% (+$144.6 million). Food & Beverage with a 22% share increased 2.0% (+$65.2 million). Health with a 8% share increased 6.6% (+$76.1 million). Gas Stations with a 13% share increased 7.1% (+$132.8 million). Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share increased 2.7% (+$7.5 million). General Merchandise with a 12% share increased 5.8% (+$102.9 million). Misc. Stores with a 2% share increased 10.8% (+$32.2 million).
Clothing with a 4% share decreased -1.7% (-$10.1 million).
E-Commerce
In Canada 2017, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales (2.7% of retail trade) increased 31% to $15.7 billion over the same period last year. Unadjusted electronic shopping and mail order houses sales (1.8% of retail trade), increased 19% to $10.6 billion over 2016.
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020 and 080-0033
Summary Tables S.A. Monthly; U.A. Annual
<--- Return to Archive
