The seasonally-adjusted value of retail sales in Alberta barely budged in April, rising by just 0.3% ($23.7 million) over the level set in March.

On a year-over-year basis, unadjusted sales in the province were up by 3.3% ($247.4 million) compared to April 2021 and by a whopping 59.9% ($2.9 billion) versus April 2020 during the early days of the pandemic.

Nationally, sales increased by 0.9% ($551.7 million) in April versus March while year-over-year sales improved by 8.9% ($5.0 billion) over the same month in 2021 and by 75.6% ($26.1 billion) compared to April 2020.

In Alberta, year-over-year sales were higher in 7 out of 11 retail store categories with gas stations posting the largest percentage increase at 42.7% ($330.5 million) compared to sales in April 2021 followed by clothing and clothing accessories stores at 29.1% ($79.4 million).

Year-over-year sales were down the most among building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers at -19.2% ($102.3 million) followed by motor vehicle and parts dealers at -8.2% ($195.2 million).

Answer to the previous trivia question: Two solstices occur each year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Today’s trivia question: In what city was the first Canadian Tire store opened?