SASKATCHEWAN SETS A RECORD FOR RETAIL SALES IN MARCH

Saskatchewan has set another economic record with $1.4 billion in retail sales in March which is the province's highest total ever for that month, according to Statistics Canada. Retail sales in March 2012 grew by 5.9 per cent when compared to March 2011.

"Saskatchewan cash registers were busier than ever before in the month of March," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "People in Saskatchewan feel confident about their jobs and the province's economy and we see the results with a record-setting retail sector."

The 5.9 per cent retail sales growth during March 2012 over the previous year outpaces the Canadian average of 4.1 per cent. Saskatchewan's retail sales growth of 0.7 per cent from February to March nearly doubled the nation's overall retail sales growth of 0.4 per cent.

"Balanced budgets, competitive taxes and key infrastructure investments are all creating tremendous confidence in Saskatchewan's economy and that optimism is registering in strong retail sales growth," Harrison said.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@enterprisesask.ca