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According to a new study, Canadians are buying fewer clothes as retail sales fell two per cent to $42.1 billion in December. Statistics Canada said this drop was the largest decline since April 2010.
After analyzing receipts at clothing and clothing accessories stores, Stats Canada found a five point six per cent decline. Lower sales at clothing stores at minus six per cent accounted for most of this decline.
Despite a double-digit gain in November, sales at shoe stores fell nine point four per cent in December, however; jewellery, luggage, and leather goods experienced a one point eight per cent gain, which was the third increase in four months.
Retail sales were down in every province in December, said Statistics Canada.
Ontario reported the largest decrease in dollar terms, with widespread declines across most store types. British Columbia reported a two point two per cent decrease in December, with widespread declines.
According to Stats Canada, it's not just retail that Canadians are shying away from. Across the board, electronics, sporting goods, and books have all seen a decline since December. The nine point two per cent drop in sales at electronics and appliance stores more than offset any gains developed in the previous six months and sales at sporting goods, hobby, book, and music stores declined by one point three per cent.
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