Retail sales increase nationally but fall provincially

In April, retail sales increased nationally by 0.5% to $73.0 billion.

Sales were up in five of nine subsectors, led by increases at gasoline stations and fuel vendors.

The largest increase in retail sales in April was observed at gasoline stations and fuel vendors. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 1.7% in April. The increase was led by sales at new car dealers, which posted a fourth consecutive monthly gain. Sales were also up at used car dealers in April after recording a decline of 4.2% in March.

In April, sales also declined at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers.

The largest increase in core retail sales came from building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers.

Retail sales increased in six provinces in April. In Newfoundland and Labrador, retail sales equalled $1.1 billion, a decrease of 0.3%.