Retailing spending hit a 10 year high in 2006 according to a new study by Statistics Canada.

Fueled by spending in the western provinces, Canadian retailers sold $389.6 billion worth of goods and services in 2006, a 6.4 per cent increase over 2005.

Alberta led the way as it has with many economical figures over the last few years, with a 15.6 per cent increase in retail spending. This marked the third straight year that Alberta led the country in retail spending.

British Columbia and Saskatchewan were the only other two provincess that were above the nation average.

A summary of the remaining provinces:

• Quebec retail sales were below the average but spending at pharmacies was the highest of any province in Canada,
• Ontario has seen its retails sale on a six year slide, with retail sales being lower in 2006 than 10 years earlier,
• Manitoba had many differences in growth among trade groups and fell below the national average,
• Nova Scotia led all Atlantic provinces in growth,
• New Brunswick hit a 7 year high, while Prince Edward Island hit a six year high,
• Newfoundland and Labrador rebounded in 2006 after two years of weak growth.

In terms of growth in the retail sector; home furnishings had the highest growth at 13.9 per cent. Pre-owned and recreational motor vehicles and parts were next at 13.6 per cent, easily topping the 5.1 per cent growth of 2005, home/hardware stores and pharmacies rounded out the list at 10.5 per cent and 10.3 per cent respectively.

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