After increasing for five consecutive months, retail sales declined 1.2 per cent in Alberta in June, says Statistics Canada.
“Despite this decline, sales remain above the level in April,” said the federal agency on Wednesday.
On an annual basis, sales in the province were up two per cent from a year ago.
Nationally, following a 2.2 per cent increase in May, retail sales edged down 0.2 per cent in June to $50.7 billion in June, according to StatsCan, adding that sales were down in six of 11 subsectors, representing 52 per cent of total retail trade.
“Lower sales at gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers more than offset higher sales at food and beverage stores and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers. Excluding the first two subsectors, retail sales were up 0.3 per cent,” it said.
“After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales decreased 0.3 per cent. On a quarterly basis, retail sales were up 1.0 per cent in the second quarter following a 0.5 per cent decrease in the first quarter.”
After increasing 5.2 per cent in May, sales at gasoline stations decreased 2.3 per cent, in part due to lower prices at the pump in June. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-0.7 per cent) were down for the second time in three months. Lower sales at new car dealers (-0.6 per cent) and automotive parts, accessories and tire stores (-3.8 per cent) accounted for the majority of the decline, said Statistics Canada.
“Higher receipts were reported at food and beverage stores (+0.9 per cent). Gains were reported at all store types within this subsector, led by supermarkets and other grocery stores (+1.2 per cent). Specialty food stores, convenience stores and beer, wine and liquor stores were all up for the fourth consecutive month.”
On a year-over-year basis, total retail sales in Canada rose by 3.8 per cent in June.
The federal agency said retail e-commerce sales totalled $1.4 billion, representing 2.6 per cent of total retail trade. On a year-over-year basis, retail e-commerce rose 18.0 per cent.
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald in various capacities, including 12 years as a senior business writer.
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