Retail sales in June were $42.6 billion, an increase of 1.1% from May and up 5.9% from June 2013. Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline stations, retail sales were up by 5.6% from June 2013. In the first six months of 2014, retail sales were up 4.7% compared with the same period last year.
Retail sales in volume terms grew by 0.6% from May. Increases in month-over-month sales were reported in 8 of 11 sectors representing 71% of retail trade. June 2014 sales over June 2013 were up in all provinces. Alberta led the way with an 8.8% sales gain, followed by British Columbia (+7.1%) and Ontario (+6.1%). Quebec recorded a 5.2% gain over June 2013.
Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in June were $2.4 billion, up 1.4% from May and a 5.4% gain from June 2013. This was the second annualized increase for the industry following three consecutive year-over-year losses.. It was the fourth monthly gain in the past ten months. Statistics Canada attributed these increases partially to a delayed start to spring.
The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales fall 0.3% from May but grow by 5.1% from June 2013. Gasoline station sales were up 0.9% from May. This was the eighth consecutive monthly increase. Gasoline station sales grew by 8.7% from June 2013.
Sales at food and beverage stores were up 1.3% from May to June and grew by 3.6% from June 2013 to June 2014. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores increased 1.3% from a month earlier and were up 2.3% from June 2013. Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 6.1% in June 2014 over June 2013.
General merchandise stores sales increased 3.9% from May but were 9.7% higher than in June 2013, standing at $5.5 billion. Statistics Canada attributes June’s growth mainly to sales of lawn and garden products, which were sold later this spring due to colder and wetter weather in April and May “General merchandise stores” include department stores, warehouse clubs, superstores and home and auto supplies stores and account for 12% of total retail sales. Department store sales grew 2.1% from Ma y and were up 6.4% from June 2013. Food and non-alcoholic beverages account for approximately 25% of sales at general merchandise stores.
Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were down 1.2% from May at $1.3 billion but increased 3.6% from June 2013. Sales at electronics and appliance stores fell 0.3% from May to $1.2 billion. They were down 1.4% from June 2013. Sales at health and personal care stores grew 0.3% from May to $3.1 billion. They were up 7.0% from June 2013.