Annual Survey of Consumer Goods Rental

Larger firms in the consumer goods rental industries were more profitable than their smaller counterparts in 2004. The industry's 20 largest firms had a profit margin of 9.9% in 2004, considerably higher than the 5.1% profit margin for the rest of the industry.

The industry comprises firms offering general rentals and rentals of home health, party or recreational equipment; DVDs and video tapes; consumer electronics and appliances; and formal wear and costumes.

Overall, the industry earned operating revenues of $2.2 billion in 2004, up a modest 1.6% from 2003. The industry's growth in 2004 was dampened by revenue declines for general rental centres and establishments offering specialized rentals of home health, party or recreational equipment.

Results from the 2004 Annual Survey of Consumer Goods Rental (and revised 2002 and 2003 data) for Canada are now available. These data provide information such as the industry's revenue; expenses; salaries, wages and benefits; and operating profit margins.

Available on CANSIM: table 352-0010.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2434.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Daphne Bennett (613-951-3429, fax: 613-951-6696 daphne.bennett@statcan.gc.ca), or Candace Brookbank (613-951-5239, fax: 613-951-6696, candace.brookbank@statcan.gc.ca), Service Industries Division.