Retail sales totalled about $1.4 billion in the January to March 2009 period – down 0.8% compared to the same period of 2008.

Notable declines in sales were recorded in the automotive store type category.  Sales delined 19.5% for new car dealers and 13.7% for gasoline stations.  Much of the decease in sales for new car dealers is attributable to a significantly high level of sales in 2008.   First quarter new car sales in 2009 are very similar to those in years previous to 2008.  The decrease in sales for gasoline stations is largely due to a decline in the price of gasoline – down 22.6% in the first quarter of 2009. 

Growth in all other store type categories offset somewhat the decline in the automotive category.  Strong growth was recorded in: building and outdoor home supplies; supermarkets; and, pharmacies and personal care.

For Canada as a whole, retail sales decreased by 6.1% in the first quarter of 2009, relative to the same period in 2008.

According to the Department of Finance’s March forecast, retail sales are expected to grow by 1.2% to about $7.2 billion in 2009.