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December 20, 2019RETAIL TRADE, OCTOBER 2019 
In Nova Scotia October 2019, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 2.4 per cent over September 2019 to $1.3 billion . In Oct 2019 vs Oct 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 0.7 per cent.
Nationally, October 2019, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 1.2 per cent over September 2019 to $50.9 billion . In Oct 2019 vs Oct 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 0.6 per cent.
Canada and the Provinces
On a month over month basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 1.2 per cent nationally. Four provinces reported monthly increases in retail trade, with New Brunswick (1.7 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported the largest decline (2.4 per cent).
On a year over year basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade decreased 0.6 per cent nationally. Five provinces reported year-over-year increases in retail trade, with Prince Edward Island (4.4 per cent) reporting the largest gain.
Nova Scotia reported an increase (0.7 per cent) over the same month last year. Quebec reported the largest decline (1.3 per cent).
On a year to date basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 1.4 per cent nationally. Seven provinces reported year-to-date increases in retail trade, with Prince Edward Island (3.2 per cent) reporting the largest gain.
Nova Scotia reported an increase (2.4 per cent) over the same period last year. Saskatchewan reported the largest decline (0.7 per cent).
Nova Scotia Sectors
Unadjusted year-to-date (Jan-Oct 2019), Retail Trade increased 2.5 per cent ($326.2 million) over Jan-Oct 2018 to $13.5 billion.
Sector increases:
- Motor Vehicle with a 28% share of Retail Trade increased 5.0 per cent ($180.8 million).
- Furniture with a 2% share increased 0.9 per cent ($2.9 million).
- Building Material with a 7% share increased 0.6 per cent ($6.0 million).
- Food & Beverage with a 22% share increased 4.9 per cent ($139.9 million).
- Health with a 8% share increased 0.1 per cent ($1.2 million).
- Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share increased 0.4 per cent ($0.7 million).
- General Merchandise with a 11% share increased 4.4 per cent ($65.3 million).
- Miscellaneous Stores with a 3% share increased 15.6 per cent ($48.6 million).
Sector declines:
- Electronics with a 1% share decreased 11.9 per cent ($16.9 million).
- Gas Stations with a 13% share decreased 5.5 per cent ($97.7 million).
- Clothing with a 3% share decreased 1.0 per cent ($4.6 million).
Cannabis stores
In Nova Scotia, Oct-18 to Oct-19, on a period-to-date basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $70.1 million. This represents a 6.6% share of the Canadian market.
In Canada, Oct-18 to Oct-19, on a period-to-date basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $1,057.0 million.
E-Commerce
In Canada October 2019,
- On a month-over-month basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales decreased 1.5 per cent over September 2019 to $1.8 billion, representing a 3.5% share of total retail trade.
- On a year-over-year basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 14.4 per cent over October 2018.
- On a year-to-date basis (Jan-Oct 2019) , unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 23.6 per cent over Jan-Oct 2018 to $17.0 billion, representing a 3.4% share of total retail trade.
TABLES & SELECTED FIELDS
Statistics Canada Citations
Table 20-10-0072-01 Retail E-commerce sales, unadjusted (x 1,000)
Table 20-10-0008-01 Retail trade sales by province and territory (x 1,000)
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