BC Retail Soaring

Retail sales growth in British Columbia more than doubled in 2004 with a record breaking $47.1 billion in total sales, according to a report released Monday by Statistics Canada.

"Without question, British Columbia was Canada's comeback kid in terms of retail sales last year," said Kevin Evans, Western Canada Vice President for Retail Council of Canada. "Overall, BC exceeded our expectations reflecting a strong economy and solid consumer confidence."

Total retail sales in BC grew 7% in 2004, compared with 2.6% in 2003 - leading the country, along with Alberta.

December holiday spending in British Columbia was up 8.6% (unadjusted) over December of last year.

British Columbia was one of only two provinces that saw an increase in sales from November to December(0.7%).

"Across Canada, December sales increases were lower than anticipated with much of that due to a decline in car sales," Evans said. "When you remove that category, December holiday sales in BC were actually up 29.9% over November."

The Statistics Canada report singles out BC's retail performance: "Retailers in BC have been enjoying strong sales since the beginning of 2004."