Canadian retail rounds out 2010 on good note

OTTAWA – Canadian retail stores posted their biggest numbers in seven months last November and increased sales by another 1.3 percent to $37.3 billion, reports Stats Canada.

This marks the sixth consecutive monthly rise in sales as gains were reported in 8 of 11 subsectors, representing roughly 90 percent of total sales.

The largest increase of all industries was motor vehicle and parts dealers, which rose 2.7 percent, reflecting higher sales of new trucks and used vehicles.

Sales in volume also rose 1.3 percent after being flat the previous month.

Sales at food and beverage stores increased modestly, following declines in each of the two previous months. The good news is that gains were reported by all store types in this sector.

Clothing and clothing accessories stores also registered a 2.4 percent sales increase in November, more than offsetting October’s decline.

The largest decline occurred at electronics and appliances stores where sales fell 2.2 percent.