Retail sales in British Columbia grew 0.6% to $5.25 billion between July and August while sales across the country increased 0.2% to $40.3 billion over the same period, according to Statistics Canada data released October 22.
Nationally, the increase in retail trade was driven by higher sales at food and beverage stores, which increased 1.2% to $8.64 billion. This was partially offset by decreased sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (down 0.5% to $9.37 billion) and gas stations (down 0.8% to $5.02 billion).
Six of 11 subsectors, representing 56% of total retail trade, saw gains in August. Overall sales volumes increased 0.2%.
Clothing and clothing accessories grew by 1.9% to $2.29 billion, and building materials and garden equipment and supplies sales increased 1.1% to $2.32 billion – the third increase in four months.
Year-over-year, retail sales in B.C. grew by 2.8%, which was slightly higher than the national average of 2.7%. The provinces with the largest year-over-year gains in retail trade were:
- Alberta (up 5.5%);
- Prince Edward Island (up 3.0%); and
- Nova Scotia (up 2.9%).
