Canada’s western provinces drove the nation’s retail sales growth between September and October, according to Statistics Canada.
B.C.’s 1.7% sales growth between September and October was more lower than that of Alberta (3%), Manitoba (1.9%) and Saskatchewan (1.9%), but it was stronger than the Canadian average of 1%.
Gains nationally came from seven out of 11 subsectors, which represent 76% of retail sales.
The increase was led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations.
Some of the sectors that enjoyed higher than average retail sales growth were:
- motor vehicle and parts dealers (2%);
- gasoline sales (1.8%);
- clothing and clothing accessories (1.9%); and
- sporting goods, hobby and music stores (1.7%).
Year over year, however, B.C. did not fare as well as the rest of Canada. Retail sales in the province rose 3.6% between October 2010 and October.
Nationwide, retail sales grew 4.4% during the same period.
Glen Korstrom
@GlenKorstrom