SHOPPERS RING UP RETAIL SALES IN NOVEMBER

Retail sales in Saskatchewan continued to rise according to a report from Statistics Canada released today. In November 2011, retail sales were up by 11.3 per cent over November 2010, the highest among the provinces. Nationally, retail sales were up 3.1 per cent.

"Saskatchewan people are feeling confident about the economy with so many great jobs in this province and that is allowing them to create a better quality of life," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Retail sales have been rising steadily over the last months, which bodes well for businesses across the province."

There was a 1.3 per cent increase in retail sales in November 2011 when compared with October of 2011, the highest percentage rise in the nation. Over the same period, retail sales in Canada had a 0.3 per cent increase.

"Consumer confidence has been growing alongside our economy and that contributed to the increase in retail sales in November," Harrison said. "Saskatchewan is on track to continue the trend of higher retail sales for both the short and the long term."

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For more information, contact:

Leanne Persicke
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2127
Email: leanne.persicke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-9207