Retail sales in July were $42.5 billion, a decrease of 0.1% from June but up 5.0%
from July 2013. Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline
stations, retail sales were up by 4.0% from July 2013.
Retail sales in volume terms were flat from June. Decreases in month-over-month sales were reported in 5 of 11 sectors representing 55% of retail trade. July 2014 sales over July 2013 were up in all provinces. Alberta led the way with an 8.9% sales gain, followed by British Columbia (+6.2%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (+5.7%). Quebec recorded a 2.1% gain over July 2013, while Ontario’s annualized gain in July was 4.9%.
Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in June were $2.4 billion, up 0.6% from June and a 5.5% gain from June 2013. This was the fourth straight annualized increase for the industry. It was also the fourth straight monthly gain. Statistics Canada attributed these increases partially to increased activity on the home renovation front.
The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales gain 1.6% from June and grow by 8.1% from July 2013. Gasoline station sales were down 0.3% from June. This followed nine consecutive monthly increases. Gasoline station sales grew by 4.9% from July 2013.
Sales at food and beverage stores were down 0.8% from June to July but grew by 2.3% from July 2013 to July 2014. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores decreased 1.1% from a month earlier but were up 1.1% from July 2013. Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 5.2% in July 2014 over July 2013.
General merchandise stores sales decreased 2.7% from June but were 5.5% higher than
in July 2013, standing at $5.3 billion. “General merchandise stores” include department
stores, warehouse clubs, superstores and home and auto supplies stores and account for
12% of total retail sales. Department store sales fell 1.5% from June but were up 4.0%
from July 2013. Food and non-alcoholic beverages account for approximately 25% of
sales at general merchandise stores.
Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were up 4.0% from June at $1.4 billion and increased 7.3% from July 2013. Sales at electronics and appliance stores gained 0.1% from June to $1.2 billion. They were down 0.6% from July 2013. Sales at health and personal care stores grew 0.3% from June to $3.1 billion. They were up 7.0% from July 2013.