Retail Trade, August 2015, published October 22

Posted by on Oct 29, 2015 in Featured | Comments Off on Retail Trade, August 2015, published October 22

Retail sales in August were $43.6 billion, up 0.5% from July and an increase of 2.8% from August 2014.  Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline stations, retail sales were up by 3.2% from August 2014.  

Retail sales in volume terms were up 0.7% from July.  Increases in month-over-month sales were reported in 4 of 11 sectors representing 56% of retail trade.  August 2015 sales over August 2014 were  up in eight provinces.  British Columbia led the way with a 7.0% sales gain, followed by Ontario (+5.4%) and New Brunswick (+3.54%).  The two losses were recorded in Alberta (-2.9%), followed by Saskatchewan (-2.3%).  Quebec’s retail sales were up 1.5% from August 2014.

Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in August were $2.5 billion, down 0.1% from July but a 3.8% gain from August 2014.  This was the 17th straight annualized increase for the industry.  It was the third straight monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains.

The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales gain 2.0% from July and increase by 9.3% from August 2014.  Gasoline station sales were down 0.6% from July.  This was the second straight monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains.  Gasoline station sales fell by 11.1% from August 2014.

Sales at food and beverage stores were up 0.5% from July to August and grew by 2.9% from August 2014 to August 2015.  Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores decreased 0.4% from a month earlier but were up 1.2% from August 2014.  Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 8.6% in August 2015 over August 2014.

General merchandise stores sales decreased 0.3% from July but were 0.8% higher than in August 2014, standing at $5.4 billion.  “General merchandise stores” include department stores,  warehouse clubs, superstores and home and auto supplies stores and account for 12% of total retail sales.  Food and non-alcoholic beverages account for approximately 25% of sales at general merchandise stores.

Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were up 3.0% from July at $1.5 billion and increased 8.4% from August 2014.  Sales at electronics and appliance stores decreased 0.3% from July to $1.3 billion.  They were down 0.2% from August 2014.  Sales at health and personal care stores lost 0.1% from July to $3.2 billion.  They were up 4.9% from August 2014.