Retail sales in July were $43.3 billion, up 0.5% from June and an increase of 1.8% from July 2014. Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline stations, retail sales were up by 3.0-% from July 2014.
Retail sales in volume terms were up 0.;2% from June. Increases in month-over-month sales were reported in 6 of 11 sectors representing 55% of retail trade. July 2015 sales over July 2014 were up in five provinces. British Columbia led the way with a 5.7% sales gain, followed by Ontario (+4.6%) and both New Brunswick and Manitoba (+2.4%). The largest losses were recorded in Alberta (-3.7%), followed by Saskatchewan (-3.6%). Quebec’s retail sales were unchanged from June.
Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in July were $2.5 billion, down 0.7% from June but a 3.2% gain from July 2014. This was the 16th straight annualized increase for the industry. It was the second straight monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains.
The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales gain 2.0% from June and increase by 6.6% from July 2014. Gasoline station sales were down 0.2% from June. This was the first monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains. Gasoline station sales fell by 12.8% from July 2014.
Sales at food and beverage stores were down 0.5% from June to July but grew by 1.5% from July 2014 to July 2015. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores decreased 0.3% from a month earlier but were up 0.9% from July 2014. Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 0.9% in July 2015 over July 2014.
General merchandise stores sales increased 0.3% from June and were 2.9% higher than in July 2014, standing at $5.5 billion. “General merchandise stores” include department stores, warehouse clubs, superstores and home and auto supplies stores and account for 12% of total retail sales. Food and non-alcoholic beverages account for approximately 25% of sales at general merchandise stores.
Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.8% from June at $1.4 billion but increased 2.3% from July 2014. Sales at electronics and appliance stores decreased 1.7% from June to $1.3 billion. They were up 2.2% from July 2014. Sales at health and personal care stores gained 0.4% from June to $3.2 billion. They were up 4.7% from July 2014.