![BC Retail Sales - March 2020 BC Retail Sales - March 2020](https://s.realtyninja.com/static/media/med/7650_ac3b36e9_BC_Retail_Sales_-_March_2020.jpg)
The shutdown of physical stores caused many retailers to shift or expand their online presence. E-commerce sales were up by 40% in March year-over-year at $2.2 billion, accounting for almost 5% of total retail sales. This excludes Canadians purchasing from foreign e-commerce retailers.
Sales were down in all provinces, leading the decline were Ontario (-9%), Quebec (-16%), and Alberta (-13%). In BC, seasonally-adjusted retail sales were down by 4.6% at $7 billion in March. Looking at the non-seasonally adjusted change shows a different picture. Retail sales in March were up by 5.3% from the previous month, notably at grocery stores (31%), building and garden material stores (26%), and at electronics and appliance stores (23%). Compared to the same time last year, BC retail sales were down by 3%.
Given that retailers were closed only starting mid-March, it is expected that the April decline will be higher. Advance estimates provided by Statistics Canada for April indicates retail sales declined by 15.6%. As some provinces begin to re-open, we can expect retail sales to gradually return, but the magnitude will largely depend on consumer demand, which has been cautious in other countries that have started to re-open. Moreover, unemployed individuals and individuals who have had their working hours reduced will likely not be making non-essential purchases in the near future.
![BC Retail Sales Down in March 2020 BC Retail Sales Down in March 2020](https://s.realtyninja.com/static/media/med/7650_bb677e8c_BC_Retail_Sales_Down_in_March_2020.png)
![March 2020 Retail Sales by Sub Sector March 2020 Retail Sales by Sub Sector](https://s.realtyninja.com/static/media/med/7650_09ac16d9_March_2020_Retail_Sales_By_Sub_Sector.png)