RETAIL SALES IN MAY ALMOST DOUBLE NATIONAL AVERAGE

Saskatchewan consumers were ringing up sales in May as retail trade in the province almost doubled the national average.

"With Saskatchewan's healthy economy and lower taxes, people are seeing their family budget go further than it did before, and that means they can make that extra trip to the store," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "With average weekly earnings up, unemployment down, and more jobs in our communities, the stage is set for good economic news this summer."

Retail sales were up 7.6 per cent in May 2011 (seasonally adjusted) when compared with the previous year. That is almost double the national average of 4.0 per cent for the same period, and just below the 7.8 per cent recorded by Alberta.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: deb.young@enterprisesask.ca