Canada retail sales marginally up in May 2012

RBR Staff Writer
Published 25 July 2012

Canadian retail sales grew a marginal 0.3% to C$38.9bn ($38.06bn) in May from April, when sales fell a revised 0.6%, according to the data released by Statistics Canada.

Eliminating the effect of prices, retail sales volume increased 0.7% in May, almost offsetting the 0.8% drop in April.

The statistics agency said retail sales have been relatively flat since November 2011. Gains were reported in six of 11 subsectors, representing 53% of retail trade.

Food and beverage stores sales rose 1.6%, while clothing and clothing accessories stores also registered 1.6% gain in May, on monthly basis.

Higher sales at clothing stores accounted for most of the increase, which advanced for a seventh time in eight months.

Supermarkets and other grocery stores led the sales growth with a 1.8% increase, the first gain in five months.

General merchandise stores sales rose 0.8%, partially reflecting stronger sales of food, while the 'other general merchandise stores' industry advanced for a seventh consecutive month with a 0.8% rise.

Department stores sales moved up by 0.7%, while sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores jumped 1.9%, partially offsetting the decrease in April.

Sales at gasoline stations were down by 1.4% in May, while sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers declined 0.4% in May.

Electronics and appliance store sales fell 0.8% in May. Sales in this subsector have been on a downward trend since the end of 2011.

Retail sales rose in six provinces in May. Alberta registering the largest monthly increase, rising 1.3% in May, a seventh monthly sales gain in ten months for this province.

Sales in Saskatchewan and Ontario increased 2% and 0.2%, while they fell 0.4% and 1.3% in Quebec and New Brunswick, respectively.

Source: http://markets.retail-business-review.com/news/canada-retail-sales-marginally-up-in-may-2012-250712

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