Retail sales rose for the fourth consecutive month in June, edging up 0.1% to $49.0 billion. Sales were up in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 38% of total retail trade.
Higher sales at general merchandise stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers offset lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations. Excluding the latter two subsectors, retail sales were up 1.1%.
After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.5%.
SALES UP IN FIVE PROVINCES
Retail sales were up in five provinces in June.
British Columbia (+1.9%) reported the largest increase in dollar terms, with gains in 8 of 11 subsectors. This was the fourth consecutive month of growth.
Retail sales in Quebec rose 0.6% in June, primarily on the strength of higher sales at general merchandise stores and other motor vehicle dealers.
Sales in Alberta (+1.0%) increased for the 10th time in 11 months, with gains across most store types. Retail sales in Alberta have now surpassed the level prior to the downturn in world oil prices in late 2014.
Ontario reported a 0.7% decline, largely stemming from lower sales at new car dealers.
