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Retail sales totalled $36.3 billion in September, up 1.1% from August and the strongest rise in sales in eight months. Sales by new car dealers were up for the first time since January, accounting for most of this growth.
Chart 1
Strong retail sales increase in September
If price changes are factored in, retail sales in terms of volume rose by 0.7%.
In September, five of the eight sectors posted higher sales and they accounted for approximately 75% of retail sales.
Sales in the automotive sector were 2.2% higher in September, largely owing to a 2.9% increase in sales by new car dealers. The number of units sold in September was up for both passenger cars and trucks, according to the New Motor Vehicle Sales Survey.
The 1.7% rise in sales by gasoline stations in September continued the strong upward trend, driven by gasoline prices, that has been observed since September 2007. For used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers (including tire dealers), the rise in sales in September was the fourth in five months.
Increases of over 1.0% were also posted by the general merchandise stores sector and the food and beverage stores sector. These rises were influenced by the rapid growth in food prices since early 2008.
The most substantial decrease in sales in September was in the building and outdoor home supplies stores sector. This was the first drop in sales in this sector since April 2008.
Increase in Quebec leads widespread gains among provinces
Gains were widespread, as seven provinces registered sales increases above 1.0% in September.
Quebec posted the strongest increase among the provinces, with a 2.3% sales gain in September. This marked the fifth sales increase in six months. Strong sales by gasoline stations and new car dealers were the major contributing factors.
After two consecutive months of declines, sales in British Columbia increased 1.0% in September. They had remained relatively stable since the end of 2007.
Note to readersTotal retail sales by volume are measured by deflating values in current dollars of the various trade groups using consumer price indexes. This retail sales in chained dollars series (2002) is a chain Fisher volume index with 2002 as the reference year. |
Ontario posted its highest sales increase since April 2008, with a 0.4% rise in September.
Sales in Saskatchewan remained essentially unchanged. Following a long period of growth, sales in Saskatchewan have been stable since June.
It is now possible to consult the tables of raw data by industry and by province and territory from the Tables by subject module of our website.
For information on related indicators, refer to the Latest statistics page on our website.
Available on CANSIM: tables 080-0014 to 080-0017.
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 2406 and 2408.
The September 2008 issue of the publication Retail Trade (63-005-XWE, free) will be available shortly.
Data on retail trade for October will be released on December 18.
For more information, or to order data, contact Client Services (613-951-3549; toll-free 1-877-421-3067; retailinfo@statcan.gc.ca). For analytical information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Claude Bilodeau (613-951-1816), Distributive Trades Division.
