News
Retail sales lag in June

Aug. 27, 2013, Ottawa — Sluggish retail sales in June pushed sales at garden retailers into decline for the third time in four months.

Across Canada, retail sales declined 0.6 per cent in June to $40.1 billion, partially offsetting gains made in May.  Statistics Canada reported that in the first six months of 2013, retail sales were up 1.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2012.

Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers fell 1.9 per cent in June, partially offsetting sales gains recorded in May. This was the third decline over the last four months.

Overall retail sales in all sectors declined 1.2 per cent in volume, following three straight monthly gains.