Retail sales in October were $43.4 billion, up 0.1% from September and an increase of 1.9% from October 2014. Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline stations, retail sales were up by 2.7% from October 2014.
Retail sales in volume terms were down 0.3% from September. Increases in month-over-month sales were reported in 7 of 11 sectors representing 59% of retail trade. October 2015 sales over October 2014 were up in eight provinces. British Columbia led the way with a 6.3% sales gain, followed by New Brunswick (+5.5%) and Ontario (+3.9%). The two losses were recorded in Alberta (-5.8%), followed by Saskatchewan (-3.0%) Quebec’s retail sales were up 1.8% from October 2014.
Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in October were $2.5 billion, down 0.1% from September but a 3.5% gain from October 2014. This was the 19th straight annualized increase for the industry. It was the fourth monthly loss in the past five months.
The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales grow by 0.4% from September and increase by 6.6% from October 2014. Gasoline station sales were down 0.4% from September. This was the fourth straight monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains. Gasoline station sales fell by 12.1% from October 2014.
Sales at food and beverage stores were down 1.2% from September to October and declined by 0.2% from October 2014 to October 2015. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores decreased 0.8% from a month earlier and were down 2.2% from October 2014. Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 4.9% in October 2015 over October 2014.
General merchandise stores sales increased 0.6% from September and were 3.8% higher than in October 2014, standing at $5.6 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 0.5% from September at $1.4 billion and increased 6.7% from October 2014. Sales at electronics and appliance stores decreased 2.1% from September to $1.2 billion. They were down 4.6% from October 2014. Sales at health and personal care stores gained 0.3% from September to $3.2 billion. They were up 5.2% from October 2014.