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For additional information relating to this article, please contact:

Thomas StorringDirector – Economics and Statistics
Tel: 902-424-2410Email: thomas.storring@novascotia.ca

February 21, 2020
RETAIL TRADE, DECEMBER AND ANNUAL 2019

In Nova Scotia December 2019, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 0.2 per cent over November 2019 to $1.4 billion. In Dec 2019 vs Dec 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 2.2 per cent.

Nationally, December 2019, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade iwas essentially unchanged  (less than 0.1 per cent) over November 2019 to $51.6 billion. In Dec 2019 vs Dec 2018, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 2.4 per cent.

Canada and the Provinces

On a month over month basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade was flat nationally. Eight provinces reported monthly increases in retail trade, with Saskatchewan (2.0 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported an increase (0.2 per cent) over the previous month. Quebec reported the largest decline (1.4 per cent).

On a year over year basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 2.4 per cent nationally. Eight provinces reported year-over-year increases in retail trade, with Prince Edward Island (5.6 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported an increase (2.2 per cent) over the same month last year. Alberta reported the largest decline (1.4 per cent).

 

On an Annual basis, seasonally adjusted Retail Trade increased 1.6 per cent nationally. Seven provinces reported year-to-date increases in retail trade, with Prince Edward Island (3.6 per cent) reporting the largest gain. Nova Scotia reported an increase (2.7 per cent) over  last year. Alberta reported the largest decline (0.9 per cent).

 

 

ANNUAL 2014 to 2019

 

Nova Scotia Sectors 

Unadjusted Annual (Jan-Dec 2019), Retail Trade increased 2.7 per cent ($423.1 million) over Jan-Dec 2018 to $16.3 billion.

Sector increases:

  • Motor Vehicle with a 27% share of Retail Trade increased 5.1 per cent ($213.1 million).
  • Furniture with a 2% share increased 2.3 per cent ($9.1 million).
  • Building Material with a 7% share increased 2.7 per cent ($31.6 million).
  • Food & Beverage with a 22% share increased 4.0 per cent ($137.6 million).
  • Health with an 8% share increased 0.6 per cent ($7.9 million).
  • General Merchandise with a 12% share increased 3.8 per cent ($72.7 million).
  • Miscellaneous Stores with a 3% share increased 13.9 per cent ($52.2 million).

Sector decreases:

  • Electronics with a 1% share decreased 11.1 per cent ($21.3 million).
  • Gas Stations with a 12% share decreased 3.4 per cent ($72.2 million).
  • Clothing with a 4% share decreased 0.5 per cent ($3.2 million).
  • Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share decreased 1.5 per cent ($4.4 million).

 

Cannabis stores

In Nova Scotia 2019, on an Annual basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $61.6 million. This represents a 5% share of the Canadian market.

In Canada 2019, on an Annual basis, unadjusted retail cannabis store sales reached $1.2 billion.

 

 

E-Commerce

In Canada December 2019,

  • On a month-over-month basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 8.1 per cent November 2019 to $2.6 billion, representing a 4.9% share of total retail trade.
  • On a year-over-year basis, unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 31.5 per cent over December 2018.
  • On an Annual basis (Jan-Dec 2019), unadjusted retail e-commerce sales increased 22.4 per cent over Jan-Dec 2018 to $22.1 billion, representing a 3.6% 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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