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February 22, 2019RETAIL TRADE, DECEMBER AND ANNUAL 2018 
In Nova Scotia December 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 5.2 per cent over November 2018 to $1.3 billion and in Dec 2018 vs Dec 2017, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 0.7 per cent.
Nationally, December 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 0.1 per cent over November 2018 to $50.4 billion and in Dec 2018 vs Dec 2017, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 1.7 per cent.
Canada and the Provinces
On a month over month basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 0.1 per cent nationally. Six provinces reported monthly increases in retail trade, with Nova Scotia (5.2 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Ontario reported the largest decline (0.5 per cent).
On a year over year basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 1.7 per cent nationally. Five provinces reported year-over-year increases in retail trade, with Ontario (3.9 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported a decline (0.7 per cent) over the same month last year. Saskatchewan reported the largest decline (3.2 per cent).
On an Annual basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 2.7 per cent nationally. Eight provinces reported year-to-date increases in retail trade, with Ontario (3.8 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported an increase (1.3 per cent) over the same period last year. Newfoundland and Labrador reported the largest decline (2.2 per cent).
Annual Growth 2014-2018
Nova Scotia Sectors
Unadjusted Annual (Jan-Dec 2018) Retail Trade increased 1.2 per cent ($184.0 million) over Jan-Dec 2017 to $16,045.3 million.
- Motor Vehicle with a 26% share of Retail Trade decreased 7.8 per cent ($357.4 million).
- Furniture with a 2% share increased 14.8 per cent ($51.1 million).
- Electronics with a 1% share increased 6.5 per cent ($12.6 million).
- Building Material with a 7% share increased 4.9 per cent ($54.2 million).
- Food & Beverage with a 22% share increased 3.6 per cent ($121.3 million).
- Health with an 8% share increased 1.1 per cent ($13.8 million).
- Gas Stations with a 13% share increased 7.6 per cent ($151.5 million).
- Clothing with a 4% share increased 1.4 per cent ($8.5 million).
- Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share increased 1.5 per cent ($4.3 million).
- General Merchandise with a 12% share increased 0.9 per cent ($16.8 million).
- Misc. Stores with a 3% share increased 34.8 per cent ($107.3 million).
Cannabis stores
In Nova Scotia, Oct to Dec-18, on a period-to-date basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $17.2 million. This represents a 11.4% share of the Canadian market. Cannabis stores are now included under the Misc. Stores category and broken out individually ($4.5m in Oct; $6.4m in Nov; $6.4 in Dec).
In Canada, Oct to Dec-18, on a period-to-date basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $151.5 million.
E-Commerce
In Canada December 2018, on a month-over-month basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales decreased -11.2 per cent over November 2018 to $2.0 billion, representing a 3.7% share of total retail trade.
On a year-over-year basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 4.6 per cent over December 2017.
On a year-to-date basis (Jan-Dec 2018), unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 14.7 per cent over Jan-Dec 2017 to $18.0 billion, representing a 3.0% share of total retail trade.
QUOTES
"Following a weather related 5.7% decline in November, sales in Nova Scotia increased 5.2% in December."
Source: Statistics Canada Tables 20-10-0008-01 and 20-10-0072-01
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