Retail sales in November were $44.3 billion, up 1.7% from October and an increase of 3.2 % from November 2014. Excluding sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers and by gasoline stations, retail sales were up by 3.1% from November 2014.
Retail sales in volume terms were up 1.5% from October. Increases in month-over-month sales were reported in 10 of 11 sectors representing 90% of the trade. November 2015 sales over November 2014 were up in eight provinces. New Brunswick led the way with a 7.9% sales gain, followed by Ontario (+5.9%) and British Columbia (+5.4%). The two losses were recorded in Alberta (-4.1%), followed by Saskatchewan (-1.0%). Quebec’s retail sales were up 3.0% from November 2014.
Sales in the building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sector in November were $2.6 billion, up $2.4% from October and a 7.3% gain from November 2014. This was the 20th straight annualized increase for the industry. It was the second monthly gain in the past six months.
The motor vehicle and parts dealers sector saw sales grow by 3.5% from October and increase by 11.0% from November 2014. Gasoline station sales were down 0.6% from October. This was the fifth straight monthly loss after six consecutive monthly gains. Gasoline station sales fell by 12.0% from November 2014.
Sales at food and beverage stores were up 1.7% from October to November and grew by 1.0% from November 2014 to November 2015. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores increased by 1.5% from a month earlier but were down 0.6% from November 2014. Beer, wine and liquor store sales increased 3.3% in November 2015 over November 2014.
General merchandise stores increased 0.4% from October and were 2.6% higher than in November 2014, standing at $5.6 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 furnishing stores were up 0.4% from October at $1.4 billion and increased 6.2% from November 2014. Sales at electronics and appliance stores increased 2.1% from October to $1.3 billion. They were down 1.3% from November 2014. Sales at health and personal care stores gained 1.3% from October to $3.3 billion. They were up 7.4% from November 2014.