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May 18, 2018RETAIL TRADE MARCH 2018 Month-over month
In March 2018, Nova Scotia's seasonally adjusted retail sales decreased 2.6% over February 2018 to $1.3 billion, and increased 2.3% over March 2017. The Nova Scotia retail trade index (2015=100) decreased to 113.9.
In Canada March 2018, seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 0.6% over February 2018 to $50.2 billion, and increased 4.1 per cent over March 2017. The Canada retail trade index (2015=100) increased to 115.4.
Canada and the Provinces
In March 2018, seven provinces reported month-over-month increases in seasonally adjusted retail sales. The other three provinces reported declines, including Nova Scotia (-2.6%), Saskatchewan (-1.8 per cent) and Prince Edwrd Island (-0.5 per cent). The Canadian average was +0.6% over February 2018.
All provinces except Saskatchewan and Manitoba reported positive year-over year (Mar 2017 vs Mar 2018) retail sales growth. The largest gains were in Quebec (+6.5 per cent), British Columbia (+5.1 per cent), and Ontario (+4.6 per cent). Nova Scotia reported a 2.3% increase. The Canadian average was +4.1% year-over-year growth.
All provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and Manitoba reported positive year-to-date retail sales growth (Jan-Mar 2018 vs Jan-Mar 2017) . The largest gains were in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia at 5.3 per cent each. The Canadian average was +3.5 per cent year-to-date growth.
Nova Scotia Sectors
In Nova Scotia Jan-Mar 2018, unadjusted year-to-date Retail Trade increased 6.0% ($192.6 million) over Jan-Mar 2017 to $3.4 billion.
- Motor Vehicle with a 25% share of Retail Trade decreased 3.2% ($27.7 million).
- Furniture with a 3% share increased 31.4% ($20.8 million).
- Electronics with a 1% share increased 12.0% ($4.8 million).
- Building Material with a 6% share increased 20.1% ($34.8 million).
- Food & Beverage with a 23% share increased 3.9% ($29.1 million).
- Health with a 9% share increased 4.3% ($12.5 million).
- Gas Stations with a 16% share increased 19.5% ($85.9 million).
- Clothing with a 3% share increased 5.0% ($5.1 million).
- Sporting & Hobbies with a 2% share increased 4.6% ($2.4 million).
- General Merchandise with a 11% share increased 3.6% ($13.2 million).
- Misc. Stores with a 2% share increased 19.9% ($11.6 million).
E-Commerce
In March 2018, Canadian unadjusted retail e-commerce sales (2.59% of retail trade) increased 11.1 per cent to $1.268 billion compared to the same month last year.
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020 and 080-0033
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