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July 20, 2018RETAIL TRADE, MAY 2018 Month-over month
In May 2018, Nova Scotia's seasonally adjusted retail sales decreased 2.0 per cent over April 2018 to $1.34 billion. Year-over-year, retail sales are 1.6 per cent higher than in May 2017. The Nova Scotia retail trade index (2015=100) decreased to 114.5.
Nationally, seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 2.0 per cent to $50.8 billion in May. Retail sales are up 3.6 per cent, year-over-year. The Canada retail trade index (2015=100) increased to 116.5.
Canada and the Provinces
In May 2018, three provinces reported month-over-month declines in seasonally adjusted retail sales. In percentage terms, the largest gains were in Quebec (+3.0 per cent) followed closely by Ontario (+2.6 per cent).
All provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Manitoba reported positive year-over year (May 2018 over May 2017) retail sales growth. The largest gains were in British Columbia (+5.3 per cent) and Prince Edward Island (+5.2 per cent).
On a year-to-date basis, six provinces reported increased retail sales compared to the same period in 2017. British Columbia had the strongest growth (+4.7 per cent), in percentage terms, followed by Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (+4.5 per cent). Newfoundland and Labrador reported the largest declines (-1.4 per cent). Nationally, retail sales were up by 3.2 per cent in the first five months of 2018.
Nova Scotia Sectors
In Nova Scotia Jan-May 2018, Unadjusted year-to-date Retail Trade increased 4.7% (+$278.8 million) over Jan-May 2017 to $6.2 billion.
- Motor Vehicle with a 28% share of Retail Trade decreased 2.3% (-$39.5 million).
- Furniture with a 3% share increased 33.3% (+$38.7 million).
- Electronics with a 1% share increased 11.6% (+$7.8 million).
- Building Material with a 7% share increased 14.7% (+$53.7 million).
- Food & Beverage with a 21% share increased 2.6% (+$33.2 million).
- Health with a 8% share increased 2.9% (+$14.1 million).
- Gas Stations with a 14% share increased 16.1% (+$122.7 million).
- Clothing with a 3% share increased 2.8% (+$5.4 million).
- Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share decreased 1.3% (-$1.3 million).
- General Merchandise with a 11% share decreased 0.3% (-$1.7 million).
- Misc. Stores with a 2% share increased 45.5% (+$45.6 million).
Source: Statistics Canada Tables 20-10-0008-01 and 20-10-0072-01
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