News
Retail sales up in June

Aug. 26, 2014, Ottawa — Retail sales rose for a sixth consecutive month, totaling $42.6-billion in June.

Statistics Canada reports the largest sales increase in dollar terms across all subsectors was a 3.9 per cent gain at general merchandise stores. The growth in June came mainly from sales of lawn and garden products, which were sold later this spring as a result of colder and wetter weather in April and May.

This late start to spring was also behind higher sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers. These retailers reported sales were up 1.4 per cent.

Overall, gains were reported in eight of 11 subsectors, representing 71 per cent of retail trade in Canada.