Canada retail sales decrease in April 2012

RBR Staff Writer
Published 22 June 2012

Canadian retail sales were down by 0.5% to C$38.9bn ($37.85bn) in April 2012, more than offsetting the rise in the previous month, according to Statistics Canada.

In terms of volume, retail sales decreased 0.8% in April, offsetting the 0.4% increase recorded in March.

Lower sales were reported in eight of 11 subsectors, representing 78% of total retail sales. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers fell 1.2% in April.

Sales at car dealers decline 1.4% in the month, while used car dealers saw a 2.5% decrease in sales, following four consecutive monthly increases.

Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores sales grew 1.1% and other motor vehicle dealers registered a 0.1% rise in April.

Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores declined 2.8%, following six straight monthly gains, with lower sales reported by all store types within this subsector.

General merchandise stores and department stores registered 0.6% and 1.2% decreases in sales in April. Sales at other general merchandise stores fell 0.2%, after advancing for five straight months.

Sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores edged down 2.6%, reflecting weaker sales at sporting goods stores.

After two consecutive monthly gains, sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers slipped 0.9% in April.

Sales at food and beverage stores decreased 0.3% in April. Supermarkets and other grocery stores sales fell 0.5%, while gasoline stations sales rose 1.1% in the month.

Among the provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia recorded 1.1%, 0.5%, 0.2% and 0.2% decline in retail sales, respectively.

Retail sales grew 0.7% in Saskatchewan, rising for a third straight month. Manitoba also recorded sales increase of 0.3%, after three months of declines.

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