SASKATCHEWAN CONSUMERS BUY, BUY, BUY

Saskatchewan's retail sales have the highest percentage increase among the provinces as the April numbers are released today.

Statistics Canada reports that on a seasonally unadjusted basis, the value of retail sales jumped by 14.4 per cent to $1.198 billion - double the national increase of 7.1 per cent. So far in 2008 (January to April), retail sales in the province are up 15.2 per cent, again the highest percentage increase among the provinces.

"Saskatchewan consumers are in a buying mode," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "There is no doubt consumers are feeling very upbeat about the Saskatchewan economy and are sharing our confidence that we are in for a longer term of prosperity."

Seasonally adjusted, retail numbers have dropped slightly between March and April 2008. Saskatchewan had a slight decline of 0.6 percent, while the national average increased by 0.6 per cent. All of the western provinces experienced a decline on a seasonally adjusted basis.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: Deb.Young@gov.sk.ca