Canadian retail sales were unchanged in June, as stronger sales across most sub-sectors were offset by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations. Retail sales were down in 4 of 11 sub-sectors in June, representing 48% of sales. Provincially, Saskatchewan reported the largest decline (-2.7%) and Manitoba reported the largest gain (1.3%).

In B.C., retail sales declined 0.4% from the previous month to $7.16 billion. Vancouver also reported a 3% decline in sales. Provincial sales were down in most sub-sectors, except at electronics and appliance stores, sporting goods/hobby/book/music stores, and miscellaneous retail stores. On a year-over-year basis, B.C. retail sales were up 1 per cent in June.

Excluding the volatile motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline sub-sectors, June national retail sales increased 1.7%. This is a positive hand-off to the third quarter. Keeping in mind that some of the gains were due to the Toronto Raptors games in the NBA finals (as reported by Statistics Canada), supporting increased sales at clothing and sporting stores.  

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.