Retail sales in Canada rose 0.6% in November 2013

Canadian retail sales advanced 0.6% in November 2013 to $41bn, fourth increase in five months, accor…

Canadian retail sales advanced 0.6% in November 2013 to $41bn, fourth increase in five months, according to the recent report released by Statistics Canada.

The sales rise was largely attributable to higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers as well as electronics and appliance stores.

Gains were observed in 9 of 11 subsectors, accounting for 72% of retail trade. In volume terms, retail sales rose 0.8%.

Sales grew 1.2% at motor vehicle and parts dealers and by 0.6% at new car dealers. Sales of seasonal items at other motor vehicle dealers grew 5.5% and automotive parts, accessories and tire stores sales were up by 4.2%.

After increasing 3% in October, sales at electronics and appliance stores advanced 6.4% for the second consecutive month on the strength of new product releases.

November's 1.0% increase in sales at gasoline stations did not offset October's decline.

General merchandise store receipts rose 0.8% in November, a fourth increase in five months. Sales at department stores (+3.5%) more than offset a decline in sales at other general merchandise stores (-1.4%).

Geographically, retail sales rose in seven provinces in November. British Columbia (+1.4%) reported the largest increase in dollar terms while lower sales were reported in the Atlantic provinces, with the exception of Nova Scotia (+0.2%), where sales rose for the eighth time in nine months.