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Restaurants, caterers and taverns - September 2006 (preliminary)
Total estimated sales of the restaurants, caterers and taverns industry reached $3.5 billion in September, a 7.3% increase over September 2005 on a year-over-year basis. (Data are neither seasonally adjusted, nor adjusted for inflation).
The largest year-over-year increases, at the provincial level, were in Alberta (+16.2%), Saskatchewan (+12.3%) and British Columbia (+10.1%). Ontario and Quebec, representing 39.7% and 20.6% of the industry in September, recorded respective increases of 5.5% and 4.0%.
The increase in sales, at the national level, was due to higher sales at limited service restaurants (+10.6%) and full service restaurant (+5.4%). These two sectors account for almost 86% of the sales for the industry. Food service contractors and caterers also posted respective increases of 8.0% and 4.2%. These two sectors account for almost 8% of the sales for the industry. The drinking places sector also increased 2.5% in September.
| Food services sales |
| |
September 2005r |
August 2006r |
September 2006p |
September 2005 to September 2006 |
| |
Not seasonally adjusted |
| |
$ thousands |
% change |
| Total, food services sales |
3,219,420 |
3,618,044 |
3,453,658 |
7.3 |
| Full-service restaurants |
1,547,411 |
1,733,772 |
1,630,848 |
5.4 |
| Limited-service restaurants |
1,200,482 |
1,440,256 |
1,328,060 |
10.6 |
| Food service contractors |
184,110 |
161,152 |
198,805 |
8.0 |
| Social and mobile caterers |
80,155 |
73,680 |
83,492 |
4.2 |
| Drinking places |
207,262 |
209,184 |
212,453 |
2.5 |
| Provinces and territories |
|
|
|
|
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
35,799 |
39,309 |
35,353 |
-1.2 |
| Prince Edward Island |
13,908 |
16,831 |
14,082 |
1.3 |
| Nova Scotia |
81,279 |
92,887 |
88,573 |
9.0 |
| New Brunswick |
56,708 |
61,118 |
57,482 |
1.4 |
| Quebec |
683,055 |
739,411 |
710,399 |
4.0 |
| Ontario |
1,299,323 |
1,439,347 |
1,370,976 |
5.5 |
| Manitoba |
80,756 |
96,270 |
87,510 |
8.4 |
| Saskatchewan |
77,168 |
87,523 |
86,680 |
12.3 |
| Alberta |
368,455 |
424,228 |
428,099 |
16.2 |
| British Columbia |
513,479 |
609,745 |
565,305 |
10.1 |
| Yukon |
2,598 |
3,385 |
2,539 |
-2.3 |
| Northwest Territories |
6,491 |
7,668 |
6,274 |
-3.3 |
| Nunavut |
401 |
322 |
386 |
-3.8 |
|
|
Ontarians to spend $9.3 billion on gifts this holiday season
TORONTO - Results of the eighth annual Visa Canada gift-giving survey show that 8.7 million Ontarians plan to spend an average of $1,068 on holiday gifts this year; a slight increase from the $1,055 recorded last year and $100 more than the 2006 national average of $930. "For the first time since 1999, Ontario shoppers expect to spend more on holiday gifts than any other region," said Tania Freedman, Director of Corporate Communications, Visa Canada. "Ontarians are planning to spend a few dollars more on their spouses this year, but less on their children."
Gift giving
Conducted by Maritz Research, the survey shows that 44 percent of
Ontarians have been swept up in a gift-buying mood and have already started
their holiday shopping. This year, Ontarians will spend an average of $101 per
recipient, down by over $30 when compared to last year, but $16 more than the
national average. Shopping lists in Ontario are also slightly longer this year
as residents plan to shop for 11 people while the national average held steady
at ten.
To date, Ontarians have already spent $1.111 billion on their Visa(R)
cards during peak season (November 21-November 28). Residents point to an
increase in the costs of goods, more people to buy for and bigger holiday
budgets as reasons for the increase in their personal spend.
What are Ontario shoppers buying this year? The most likely item found in
shopping bags across the province is clothing as 74 percent of respondents
expect to give the gift of fashion. Sixty-nine percent of shoppers will buy
toys, 60 percent will purchase books, 57 percent will pick up electronics and
56 percent will turn to music items or gift certificates and gift cards.
Ontario parents typically spend more per child than any other region
($220 versus the national average of $193), but are cutting back this year as
they plan to spend $65 less per child than last year. What's the "must have"
item for Ontario children? According to parents across the province, clothing,
toys and electronics are the three items their kids would love to unwrap.
Online shopping more popular this year with Ontario residents
Survey results show that e-commerce activity is up by ten percentage
points as 28 percent of Ontario shoppers with Internet access and a credit
card believe they'll shop online this year. Of those Ontario shoppers,
38 percent will purchase electronics, 19 percent will buy music items and
14 percent plan to pick up clothing or books from their favourite e-retailer.
Regardless of location, holiday shoppers don't seem to be turning to the
Internet for a last minute dash down the electronic aisle as 48 percent of
respondents claim to only buy items they intended to and the average online
shopper will visit 3.7 sites to compare prices before purchasing. Ontarians,
who will spend an average of $254 online, will surf 3.3 sites before deciding
on the perfect gift and only eight percent believe they'll make an impulsive
purchase.
Donating to charity
For the first time, Visa asked Ontarians whether their giving extended
beyond friends and family to local charities, and it does. Seventy-three
percent of Ontario respondents will donate an average of $200 to their
favourite organization and the same number will donate items to local food
banks. The holiday season also motivates 63 percent of Ontarians to sort
through closets and put aside clothing for local shelters.
The most wonderful time of the year
According to Ontarians, it is better to give than receive and over
60 percent of survey respondents believe the most enjoyable part of the
holidays is spending time with family and friends. Given our desire to spend
time with those closest to us, it's not surprising that 72 percent of
Ontarians hope to have people over for a dinner party at some point during the
holidays. Thirty-seven percent will go all-out and plan a party to celebrate
the festive season, while 28 percent are holding off until New Year's to play
host. On average, Ontarians will attend three holiday parties and expect to
spend $381 entertaining this year.
While 94 percent of survey respondents from Ontario plan to put up a
Christmas tree, guests don't need to worry about stepping on needles at
holiday or New Year's parties as 64 percent of residents will opt for an
artificial tree. Only one-third of Ontarians will have to crawl under branches
to water a real tree.
The national telephone survey was conducted between November 1 and 6,
2006. A total of 1,508 male and female respondents 18 years of age and older
were interviewed. The findings are accurate, plus or minus 2.67 percent, 19
times out of 20.
|
Canadians plan to spend $20 billion on gifts this holiday season Visa notes trends in online shopping, gift giving, entertaining and charitable donations.
TORONTO - Results of the eighth annual Visa Canada gift-giving survey show that 22 million Canadians plan to spend an average of $930 on gifts this holiday season; the highest personal average recorded since the survey began.
Conducted by Maritz Research, the study shows that while a majority of
Canadians (87 percent) intend to tackle their lists at local stores,
significantly more shoppers with Internet access and a credit card will turn
to e-retailers than in previous holiday seasons (23 percent in 2006 versus 18
percent in 2005).
"When we looked at the information this year, it was interesting to see a
shift in provincial spending averages and more people turning to the
Internet," said Tania Freedman, Director of Corporate Communications, Visa
Canada. "Provinces that have traditionally spent the most on holiday gifts saw
a decline in their holiday budgets, and provinces that shied away from online
shopping last year showed an increase in e-commerce spending."
Holiday spending by region
Respondents from Quebec expect to spend more on holiday gifts this year,
boosting their budgets by 14 percent to $740. British Columbians are entering
the festive season with eleven percent more money earmarked for gifts and will
spend $917 in 2006. Shoppers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, who reported a
17 percent increase in 2005 over 2004, will spend nine percent more on gifts
this year. While 90 percent of Ontarians expect to hit the mall to buy gifts
this year, an increase of seven percent over last year, the average amount
residents plan to spend has remained fairly consistent ($1,068 in 2006 versus
$1,055 in 2005).
Atlantic Canadians, who traditionally have had the most generous holiday
shopping budgets for five of the last eight years, report a decline of almost
22 percent ($858 in 2006 versus $1,098 in 2005). Albertans have also reduced
their holiday allowance and will spend $1,042 this year compared to $1,081 in
2005.
To date, Canadians have already spent $2.8 billion on their Visa(R) cards
during the peak holiday shopping season (November 21-November 27). Survey
respondents pointed to an increase in the costs of goods, more people to buy
for and having higher incomes as reasons for larger holiday budgets.
Regardless of whether we're hitting the malls with a smile or rushing to
pick up holiday odds and ends, more Canadians are buying gifts this year than
last and 45 percent have already started their holiday shopping.
Who's on our holiday shopping lists?
According to the survey, our gift-giving circle includes an average of
ten recipients, and we buy an average of 13 presents. However, our spouses
remain the hardest people to cross off the list. While 38 percent of men
believe their significant other is the most challenging to shop for, only 17
percent of women would say the same. A quarter of female respondents put mum
and dad on top of the "hardest to shop for" list. Men plan to spend more on
their spouses -- an average of $257 compared to the $192 spent by women.
Canadians typically shop for two children around the holidays, but will
spend an average of $25 less ($194 versus $219) per child than in past years.
Ontario parents, who still lead the country in the average amount spent per
child ($220), and those in the Atlantic region will spend less on their
children this year. Parents in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and
PEI will spend almost $50 less per child.
What are Canadians buying?
For the eighth year in a row, clothing is the most popular gift for
friends and family. Gift cards and gift certificates moved up from fourth to
second spot this year, tied with toys as likely gifts to exchange. Books
(61 percent), music items (55 percent) and electronics (53 percent) round out
the top items Canadians will unwrap this year.
According to the survey, clothing also tops kids "must have" lists.
Eighteen percent of children want to head back to school after the holidays in
the newest duds, while 11 percent would prefer a toy and nine percent have
requested electronics. Six percent of children have asked for a gaming system,
iPod or MP3 player, and five percent would prefer cold hard cash from Santa.
Albertans are the most likely to purchase holiday gifts online
Survey results show significantly more Canadians will log on to the
Internet this year for holiday gifts as 23 percent of respondents with
Internet access and a credit card report that it's "very" or "somewhat" likely
that they'll shop online. Alberta, where 31 percent of respondents are
expected to turn to e-retailers, saw the largest increase over last year
(20 percent). Regardless of where survey respondents live, all regions of
Canada report an increase in the number of people who believe the Internet
offers a convenient shopping option.
Electronics, typically the second or third-most popular gift to buy
online, has surged to the top of the e-commerce list in 2006. Clothing is in
second place at 25 percent, up from 13 percent in 2005. Books, which were the
number one Internet gift purchase last year, have slipped to third spot
(22 percent), with CDs (19 percent) and toys (nine percent) rounding out the
most popular items.
Impulse shoppers don't seem to be turning to the Internet for a last
minute dash down an electronic aisle as half of respondents claim to only buy
items they planned in advance. The average online shopper will visit 3.7 sites
to compare prices before purchasing, but Atlantic Canadians will surf 7.7
sites before deciding on the perfect gift. Albertans will visit the fewest
sites (3.1), but will spend the most.
Though more people are shopping online, the average amount Canadians plan
to spend this year is down by almost $50 when compared to last year ($236
versus $285 in 2005). Shoppers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have decreased
their online budgets by $58 to $206 and Atlantic Canadians saw a dramatic
decrease of $163 in the amount they plan to spend through e-commerce channels.
Even though Albertans plan to spend an average of $273 online this year, the
highest provincial average, that's $100 less than 2005. British Columbians
will also fall back below the $200 mark and spend $97 less than last year's
$291. Quebec was the only province to see an increase while Ontario's
anticipated online shopping average remained stable when compared to 2005.
Donating to others
The holiday spirit also brings out the best in Canadians as 73 percent of
respondents donate items to local food banks and 69 percent donate money to
charity. The holiday season also motivates 62 percent of Canadians to put
aside clothing for local shelters, and a third will give the gift of their
time. Canadians will give an average of $183 to charity during the holiday
season, and more women than men will make donations across all categories.
The most wonderful time of the year
According to Canadians, over half (57 percent) of survey respondents
believe the most enjoyable part of the holidays is spending time with family
and friends rather than the exchange of gifts. Quebecers paint a slightly
different picture of holiday highlights -- while 41 percent note family visits
are enjoyable, one in four think the best part of the season is the spirit and
atmosphere of the holidays - well over the national average of nine percent.
Given our desire to spend time with those closest to us, it's not
surprising that 70 percent of Canadians hope to have people over for a dinner
party at some point during the holidays. Thirty-nine percent will go all-out
and plan a party to celebrate the festive season, while 28 percent are holding
off until New Year's to play host, and Quebecers are significantly more likely
to have an open house. On average, Canadians will attend three holiday parties
and will spend $375 entertaining this year, with Albertans budgeting $409 for
the season's fun.
Both men and women plan to have similar social calendars over the
holidays, though slightly more men (31 percent versus 25 percent) will have a
New Year's party. Those over fifty are more likely to host the main holiday
feast or have people over for brunch, while the under thirty crowd are more
likely to host a New Year's party.
While 93 percent of survey respondents plan to put up a Christmas tree,
guests shouldn't worry about stepping on needles at holiday or New Year's
parties as 60 percent of Canadians will opt for an artificial tree. Residents
of Atlantic Canada (39 percent) and British Columbia (36 percent) are most
likely to enjoy the scent of a real tree while 65 percent of folks from
Manitoba and Saskatchewan already have a fake one in the basement.
The national telephone survey was conducted between November 1 and 6,
2006. A total of 1,508 male and female respondents 18 years of age and older
were interviewed. The findings are accurate, plus or minus 2.67 percent,
19 times out of 20.
|
Retail trade September 2006 Lower Gas Prices Drove Retail Sales Down - pity.
Plummeting gas prices and slumping auto sales drove total retail sales down 1.2% in September. This decline limited retail sales for the third quarter to about half the rate of the previous two quarters. Sales were up 1.3% in the third quarter following back-to-back quarterly increases of 2.4%.
Retail sales fell from $33.3 billion to an estimated $32.9 billion in September, the largest monthly decline thus far in 2006. Most of the decline in September was due to lower sales at gasoline stations and new car dealers. Excluding the automotive sector, retail sales actually increased by 1.0%.
Sales in the automotive sector fell by 5.2% in September. This fall was partially offset by considerable gains in the clothing and accessories stores sector (+6.3%), as well as strong yet smaller gains in the miscellaneous retailers (+2.2%), general merchandise stores (+1.2%), pharmacies and personal care stores (+0.7%) and food and beverage stores (+0.2%) sectors.
After four months of advances, sales in the furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores sector were flat in September, while sales fell for the first time in five months in the building and outdoor home supplies stores sector (-0.7%).
Once price changes were taken into account, total retail sales actually grew by 0.2% in September and third quarter growth was 0.9%.
Gasoline prices and auto sales plunge
In September, gasoline prices plummeted by 17.4% causing a record monthly decline of 12.5% in gasoline station sales. In the third quarter, sales at gasoline stations fell by 4.1% after soaring prices caused a record growth of 10.2% in the second quarter.
Sales at new car dealers were also down in September, falling 2.4% after strong gains in July and August. According to the New Motor Vehicle Sales Survey, the number of new vehicles sold was down by 4.2%, mainly due to a 9.0% decline in truck sales. Despite September's decline, new car dealers' sales were up 5.1% in the third quarter. This was the strongest quarterly increase in over four years.
Clothing stores prosper from back-to-school shopping and new fall lines
Clothing retailers reached a near-record sales gain in September as sales advanced by 6.9%. Sales were also strong among shoe, clothing accessories and jewellery stores (+4.7%). Prior to September 2006, sales in both types of stores had leveled off in recent months after a period of strong gains.
The Monthly Survey of Large Retailers indicated that sales of clothing, footwear and accessories grew by 12.7% year-over-year, the largest September increase for this category since 1999. Clothing, footwear and accessories sales among large retailers account for over 50% of total retail sales of that commodity grouping.
General merchandise stores also saw a healthy but smaller sales increase of 1.2% in September. Clothing may have played a part in the gain in this sector, which includes department stores. According to the Quarterly Retail Commodity Survey, about one-quarter of clothing, footwear and accessories sales are from general merchandise stores.
Sales in sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores also saw a spike in sales in September (+4.3%). Almost half the sales in this group came from sporting goods stores, which have a large stake in clothing. Sales were up 2.9% in the third quarter following a relatively weak second quarter (+0.4%). These types of stores have enjoyed consistent growth since mid-2004 and have only experienced two monthly sales declines since January 2006.
Pharmacies and personal care stores enjoyed their 11th consecutive monthly sales increase (+0.7%) in September. Sales in these types of stores have been fairly strong since the start of 2006. After a near-record quarterly growth of 4.7% ending June, sales gains slowed in the third quarter but were still strong at 2.7%.
Within the building and outdoor home supplies stores sector, sales at home centres and hardware stores edged down by 0.2%, only the second monthly sales decline this year. Specialized building material and garden stores, a smaller component of this sector, saw their sales fall by 3.1%.
Most provinces down due to widespread auto decline
Sales declined in 9 of the 13 provinces and territories in September, due to the widespread effect of the decline in the automotive sector. After 11 consecutive monthly sales gains, Alberta retailers experienced a setback as sales fell by 1.1% in September. Alberta sales grew by 2.7% in the third quarter, almost half the rate of the first (+6.0%) and second (+5.4%) quarters earlier this year.
The September sales declines in Ontario (-1.9%) and Quebec (-1.0%) follow a general levelling off in recent months, while the sales decline in British Columbia (-0.9%) marked only the second decline since January 2006.
Saskatchewan saw sales increase by 1.4%, led by the strength of sales by general merchandise stores. Retail sales have been generally increasing in Saskatchewan after a slowdown in the latter half of 2005. Sales also increased in Manitoba (+0.6%). Manitoba retailers have been enjoying healthy growth since 2003 and only experienced one month of sales decline this year.
Related indicators for October
Employment increased by an estimated 51,000 in October following four months of little change. The unemployment rate declined 0.2 percentage points to 6.2%.
Housing starts were up by 6.8% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 223,200 units, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This increase reflects a rebound in the multiple starts segment, which fell to a two-year low in September. Single starts fell to their second lowest level of the year.
Preliminary sales data from the auto industry indicate that October sales are expected to drop a further 2%, due entirely to declines in passenger car sales. This decrease, combined with the decline in September, more than offsets the gains made in July and August.
| Retail sales |
| |
September 2005 |
June 2006r |
July 2006r |
August 2006r |
September 2006p |
August to September 2006 |
September 2005 to September 2006 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted |
| |
$ millions |
% change |
| Automotive |
10,286 |
11,110 |
11,624 |
11,679 |
11,074 |
-5.2 |
7.7 |
| New car dealers |
5,522 |
5,933 |
6,292 |
6,485 |
6,331 |
-2.4 |
14.7 |
| Used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers |
1,269 |
1,507 |
1,541 |
1,523 |
1,529 |
0.4 |
20.5 |
| Gasoline stations |
3,495 |
3,670 |
3,791 |
3,671 |
3,214 |
-12.5 |
-8.1 |
| Furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores |
2,157 |
2,312 |
2,320 |
2,349 |
2,349 |
0.0 |
8.9 |
| Furniture stores |
760 |
789 |
790 |
807 |
798 |
-1.2 |
4.9 |
| Home furnishings stores |
401 |
450 |
445 |
450 |
454 |
1.0 |
13.2 |
| Computer and software stores |
132 |
135 |
136 |
137 |
130 |
-5.5 |
-1.2 |
| Home electronics and appliance stores |
864 |
939 |
949 |
954 |
967 |
1.4 |
11.9 |
| Building and outdoor home supplies stores |
1,930 |
2,089 |
2,101 |
2,142 |
2,127 |
-0.7 |
10.2 |
| Home centres and hardware stores |
1,553 |
1,713 |
1,716 |
1,750 |
1,747 |
-0.2 |
12.5 |
| Specialized building materials and garden stores |
377 |
376 |
385 |
392 |
380 |
-3.1 |
0.7 |
| Food and beverage stores |
7,254 |
7,324 |
7,345 |
7,388 |
7,402 |
0.2 |
2.0 |
| Supermarkets |
5,287 |
5,242 |
5,281 |
5,303 |
5,281 |
-0.4 |
-0.1 |
| Convenience and specialty food stores |
755 |
799 |
800 |
806 |
821 |
1.9 |
8.8 |
| Beer, wine and liquor stores |
1,211 |
1,283 |
1,265 |
1,279 |
1,299 |
1.6 |
7.3 |
| Pharmacies and personal care stores |
2,055 |
2,238 |
2,251 |
2,265 |
2,282 |
0.7 |
11.1 |
| Clothing and accessories stores |
1,766 |
1,876 |
1,848 |
1,876 |
1,995 |
6.3 |
12.9 |
| Clothing stores |
1,344 |
1,431 |
1,411 |
1,427 |
1,525 |
6.9 |
13.4 |
| Shoe, clothing accessories and jewellery stores |
422 |
445 |
437 |
449 |
470 |
4.7 |
11.4 |
| General merchandise stores |
3,671 |
3,865 |
3,886 |
3,934 |
3,981 |
1.2 |
8.4 |
| Miscellaneous retailers |
1,576 |
1,683 |
1,677 |
1,670 |
1,707 |
2.2 |
8.3 |
| Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores |
808 |
839 |
845 |
853 |
890 |
4.3 |
10.1 |
| Miscellaneous store retailers |
768 |
844 |
832 |
818 |
817 |
-0.1 |
6.4 |
| Total retail sales |
30,695 |
32,497 |
33,052 |
33,303 |
32,916 |
-1.2 |
7.2 |
| Total excluding new car dealers, used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers |
23,904 |
25,057 |
25,219 |
25,295 |
25,055 |
-0.9 |
4.8 |
| Provinces and territories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
474 |
496 |
503 |
504 |
500 |
-0.7 |
5.7 |
| Prince Edward Island |
116 |
120 |
122 |
123 |
122 |
-1.0 |
5.5 |
| Nova Scotia |
884 |
912 |
950 |
958 |
953 |
-0.5 |
7.8 |
| New Brunswick |
701 |
727 |
750 |
747 |
747 |
0.0 |
6.5 |
| Quebec |
6,895 |
7,252 |
7,373 |
7,399 |
7,324 |
-1.0 |
6.2 |
| Ontario |
11,196 |
11,647 |
11,824 |
11,936 |
11,711 |
-1.9 |
4.6 |
| Manitoba |
1,037 |
1,093 |
1,114 |
1,118 |
1,124 |
0.6 |
8.5 |
| Saskatchewan |
923 |
976 |
994 |
990 |
1,004 |
1.4 |
8.8 |
| Alberta |
4,122 |
4,740 |
4,820 |
4,893 |
4,838 |
-1.1 |
17.4 |
| British Columbia |
4,243 |
4,423 |
4,493 |
4,523 |
4,482 |
-0.9 |
5.6 |
| Yukon |
37 |
38 |
38 |
39 |
39 |
0.8 |
6.2 |
| Northwest Territories |
48 |
50 |
50 |
51 |
50 |
-2.3 |
5.8 |
| Nunavut |
21 |
21 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
0.7 |
5.9 |
|
| Retail sales |
| |
September 2005 |
August 2006r |
September 2006p |
September 2005 to September 2006 |
| |
Unadjusted |
| |
$ millions |
% change |
| Automotive |
10,612 |
13,047 |
11,056 |
4.2 |
| New car dealers |
5,666 |
7,204 |
6,264 |
10.6 |
| Used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers |
1,257 |
1,671 |
1,469 |
16.9 |
| Gasoline stations |
3,690 |
4,172 |
3,322 |
-10.0 |
| Furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores |
2,203 |
2,381 |
2,410 |
9.4 |
| Furniture stores |
799 |
856 |
843 |
5.5 |
| Home furnishings stores |
399 |
455 |
447 |
12.0 |
| Computer and software stores |
138 |
135 |
133 |
-3.8 |
| Home electronics and appliance stores |
867 |
935 |
987 |
14.0 |
| Building and outdoor home supplies stores |
2,134 |
2,415 |
2,294 |
7.5 |
| Home centres and hardware stores |
1,720 |
1,954 |
1,888 |
9.8 |
| Specialized building materials and garden stores |
415 |
462 |
406 |
-2.2 |
| Food and beverage stores |
7,277 |
7,634 |
7,579 |
4.1 |
| Supermarkets |
5,315 |
5,380 |
5,396 |
1.5 |
| Convenience and specialty food stores |
763 |
868 |
842 |
10.3 |
| Beer, wine and liquor stores |
1,199 |
1,387 |
1,341 |
11.8 |
| Pharmacies and personal care stores |
2,028 |
2,252 |
2,238 |
10.3 |
| Clothing and accessories stores |
1,789 |
1,856 |
2,036 |
13.8 |
| Clothing stores |
1,386 |
1,401 |
1,582 |
14.1 |
| Shoe, clothing accessories and jewellery stores |
402 |
455 |
454 |
12.8 |
| General merchandise stores |
3,403 |
3,861 |
3,742 |
9.9 |
| Miscellaneous retailers |
1,625 |
1,727 |
1,754 |
8.0 |
| Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores |
809 |
867 |
892 |
10.2 |
| Miscellaneous store retailers |
815 |
859 |
863 |
5.8 |
| Total retail sales |
31,072 |
35,173 |
33,110 |
6.6 |
| Total excluding new car dealers, used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers |
24,149 |
26,298 |
25,376 |
5.1 |
| Provinces and territories |
|
|
|
|
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
485 |
560 |
506 |
4.3 |
| Prince Edward Island |
120 |
144 |
126 |
4.6 |
| Nova Scotia |
891 |
1,016 |
952 |
6.8 |
| New Brunswick |
713 |
806 |
749 |
5.0 |
| Quebec |
6,949 |
7,845 |
7,338 |
5.6 |
| Ontario |
11,375 |
12,453 |
11,815 |
3.9 |
| Manitoba |
1,047 |
1,186 |
1,132 |
8.1 |
| Saskatchewan |
922 |
1,061 |
1,002 |
8.7 |
| Alberta |
4,168 |
5,196 |
4,867 |
16.7 |
| British Columbia |
4,295 |
4,782 |
4,510 |
5.0 |
| Yukon |
38 |
45 |
40 |
5.9 |
| Northwest Territories |
47 |
54 |
50 |
6.4 |
| Nunavut |
22 |
24 |
23 |
7.0 |
|
|
Canadian Tire third quarter net earnings rise 13.1% to $95.4 million
Strong sales across Canadian Tire's retail businesses and receivables
growth at Canadian Tire Financial Services drive earnings in the quarter
TORONTO - Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (CTC, CTC.a) today reported third quarter net earnings of $95.4 million, an increase of 13.1 percent compared to $84.4 million in 2005. Excluding non-operating gains and losses, net earnings were $94.4 million, an increase of 13.2 percent compared to $83.3 million last year.
Basic earnings per share were $1.17, an increase of 13.7 percent compared
to $1.03 the previous year. Excluding non-operating gains and losses, adjusted
basic earnings per share increased 13.9 percent to $1.16 compared to $1.02 for
the same period last year.
"Our sales and earnings performance for the third quarter, as with the
first half of the year, reflects healthy customer response to our offerings
across our network of businesses," said Tom Gauld, president and CEO. "For the
fourth quarter, our most important selling period, we expect retail sales and
receivables will continue to be strong but earnings will moderate because of
additional expenses associated with vigorous promotional activity to support
both retail holiday sales and the grand openings of 34 Canadian Tire Retail
Concept 20/20 stores. Earnings for the fourth quarter will also be impacted by
investments in the retail banking pilot, the expansion of the Gas Advantage
MasterCard in Ontario and continued margin challenges at Petroleum."
For the first nine months, net earnings were $246.3 million, up
16.2 percent from $211.9 million for the comparable period in 2005. Excluding
non-operating gains and losses, net earnings were $248.7 million, up
19.7 percent from $207.7 million last year. Basic earnings per share for the
first nine months of 2006 were $3.02, up 16.5 percent versus $2.59 in the
comparable 2005 period. Adjusted basic earnings per share, excluding
non-operating gains and losses for the first nine months of 2006, were $3.05,
a 19.9 percent increase from $2.54 last year.
CTR's third quarter retail sales grew to $1.8 billion from $1.7 billion,
an increase of 7.3 percent from the year prior, partially as a result of
strong promotional activity in the quarter. Same store sales increased
5.6 percent, led by strong growth in the categories of kitchen and home
appliances, car care and accessories and outdoor recreation. As expected, same
store sales for the quarter at the stores in the process of being converted to
the Concept 20/20 format were negatively impacted by construction and
merchandising activity. Excluding stores under conversion, same store sales
would have increased 6.7 percent in the quarter.
CTR's third quarter pre-tax earnings of $98.2 million increased
14.1 percent from $86.1 million a year ago. The increase in earnings reflects
higher operating revenue from product shipments and improved operating margins
resulting from global sourcing initiatives and favourable exchange rates.
Earnings also improved due to higher gains on the sale of property and
equipment. Adjusted pre-tax earnings increased 7.5 percent to $91.2 million,
compared to $84.9 million in the previous year.
During the quarter, CTR opened one new Concept 20/20 Canadian Tire-Mark's
Work Wearhouse combination store and retrofitted another store to the Concept
20/20 format.
PartSource recorded double-digit sales growth in the third quarter.
Comparable store sales increased over the same 2005 period with sales growth
coming from both the retail and commercial business segments. Sales growth was
also supported by the cumulative effect of recent store openings and
acquisitions. During the quarter, PartSource opened two stores and converted a
site acquired in 2005 to the PartSource banner, bringing the network total to
61 locations.
|
Study: The changing composition of the merchandise trade surplus
After peaking at $71 billion in 2001, Canada's merchandise trade surplus has since hovered around $65 billion. This apparent stability, however, masks several new trends in the commodity composition of this surplus, according to a new study published November 8, 2006 in the Canadian Economic Observer.
In 2001, the trade surplus was rising because of gains in five of the seven largest sectors: consumer goods, autos, forestry, food and machinery and equipment. Now, the surplus is being sustained by gains in just two sectors, energy and industrial goods. (Data on merchandise trade in this release are up to August 2006.)
The trade balance by sector reflects a country's industrial structure and spending patterns. Since these underlying determinants usually change only slowly over time, sectoral trends in the trade balance typically persist for long periods. This is particularly true for Canada.
Of the seven largest sectors, three have always posted a trade surplus since 1971. These three are rooted in Canadian traditional resources of forestry, energy and agricultural products. Conversely, Canada has always run trade deficits for machinery and equipment and consumer goods.
Autos and industrial goods were the only sectors that posted both surpluses and deficits over the past 35 years. The auto sector posted chronic deficits from 1972 to 1981. Since then, it has consistently posted surpluses, with the exception of 1986 and 1987.
Industrial goods sector (which include metals and chemicals) posted surpluses in 32 of the last 35 years, with the three deficits occurring consecutively from 1998 to 2000.
The strong appreciation of the Canadian dollar after 2002 had a major impact on prices outside of energy and industrial goods. Exports for the other five sectors actually rose in volume over the last four years, but these gains were offset by lower prices received by producers.
Meanwhile, prices fell across the board for all non-energy imports since 2002, a reflection of the loonie's appreciation and low inflation in most of our major trading partners.
The stable long-time pattern of sectoral trade balances makes some of the recent changes all the more remarkable. Autos, which in 1999 had the largest surplus of any sector except forestry, swung to outright deficit in the summer of 2006.
The surplus in energy surpassed forestry for the first time ever in 2001, and by last year was nearly twice as large at $53 billion. Rising commodity prices have also pushed the surplus for industrial goods to a record high so far in 2006.
Fuelled by the income generated from the commodity boom, consumers and businesses in Canada have gone on a spending spree. This has sent the deficit in consumer goods to new highs, while the deficit for machinery and equipment was the largest so far this decade. These deficits would have been even higher, if not for the dampening effect on prices of the rising exchange rate.
|
Canadian international merchandise trade - September 2006
Canada's merchandise trade exports declined for the first time in five months in September, as falling energy prices depressed the value of exports. In addition, imports dropped for the second month in a row, primarily because of a slowdown in auto imports.
Canadian companies exported merchandise worth $37.9 billion in September, down 2.0% from August. Imports fell 1.6% to $33.9 billion.
A 4.0% drop in exports to the United States accounted for September's overall decline. Exports to the United States fell to $29.2 billion as two principal commodities, energy products and automotive products, registered declines. Imports from the United States were down 1.9% to $21.9 billion, as importers in Canada also ordered fewer automotive products from across the border in September.
The nation's overall merchandise trade surplus narrowed to $4.0 billion in September from $4.2 billion in August, as the surplus with the United States fell to $7.3 billion while the deficit with the rest of the world shrank to $3.3 billion.
The surplus with the United States has followed a downward trend since it hit $11.0 billion in October 2005. After increasing steadily to a record $4.5 billion in April 2006, the deficit with the rest of the world has since changed direction, shrinking as exports have outpaced imports.
Exports to the rest of the world increased by 5.2%, hitting a record $8.7 billion, as metal exports to non-US destinations, such as Norway and South Korea, increased further in September. Imports from countries other than the United States fell 1.1% to $12.0 billion, as imports of metals returned to normal levels following a jump in August.
Trade data also show that Canada's imports from China, our second largest supplier of imported goods, hit $24.9 billion during the first nine months of 2006, up 17.2% from the same period last year.
Falling energy prices depress export values
Export values for energy products fell as prices for natural gas and crude petroleum weakened, while the drop in auto exports stemmed from a production slowdown.
Exports of energy products declined 6.5% to $7.2 billion, with a moderate decline in crude petroleum exports accompanying a sharp drop in natural gas exports.
Natural gas prices declined in September, accounting for three-quarters of the 12.1% drop in export values. After months of steady climbing to reach US $78 per barrel, the price of crude petroleum began to slide in August and this descent continued in September. The 4.3% decline in export prices, combined with a slight gain in volumes, accounted for the 3.2% fall in values. One reason cited for the price drop is that North American supplies of both crude petroleum and natural gas are very high.
Exports of automotive products were down 4.2% in September, continuing the downward trend seen throughout 2006. September's export value of $6.2 billion was $100 million lower than the August 2003 value, at which time there was a major automotive strike in the United States.
Exports of industrial goods and materials were relatively stable in September, maintaining record-high levels of $8.3 billion. Metal exports continued to rise, with metal ores and alloys both hitting record levels. These records were attained on the strength of nickel ore prices, which have doubled since the end of 2005, and increased shipments of gold and zinc. However, this performance was offset by widespread declines in exports of chemicals, plastics and fertilizers.
Exports of other consumer goods and forestry products declined in September, although lumber exports increased 5.8%. This follows seven consecutive declines in lumber shipments.
Exports of machinery and equipment increased in September, led by gains in aircraft shipments. Exports of agricultural and fishing products also grew (+2.1%), with the third consecutive advance for wheat exports and record-high shipments of crude vegetable products making the largest contributions.
Imports: Decline in auto parts weighs down imports
Imports weakened in September, with losses being recorded in automotive products as well as industrial goods, machinery and equipment, energy products and forestry products.
Imports of automotive products fell 6.9% to $6.4 billion in September, the second consecutive monthly decline for the sector. Although the drop was most pronounced for imports of passenger cars (-14.1%), imports of trucks and parts were also down, falling 9.8% and 0.2% respectively. Imports of motor vehicle parts posted a much larger decrease of 8.7% the month previous.
Imports of industrial goods and materials dropped 2.6% to $6.9 billion. This followed an increase in imports of metals in August, used by metal refineries to supplement domestic supply. Plastics as well as other fabricated materials also registered declines.
Following strong aircraft imports in August, as Canadian companies continued to augment fleets, machinery and equipment imports fell 0.8% to $9.6 billion in September.
Energy imports inched down 0.4% to $3.4 billion, following record-high demand in August for crude petroleum by refineries in the eastern provinces.
Demand for consumer goods has stabilized since June, although the overall trend is still strongly positive. The sector posted a 0.3% gain in September to $4.3 billion, pushed up by record levels of demand for house furnishings. Imports of house furnishings have been rising steadily since early 2002.
Agricultural imports hit a record high of $2.0 billion in September, as imports of fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, and berries as well as meat and meat products all set new highs.
Emerging markets: Trade with China
China is Canada's second largest source of imported goods, with imports equaling $29.5 billion in 2005, more than the combined value of third and fourth place Japan and Mexico.
During the first nine months of 2006, imports from China amounted to $24.9 billion, up from $21.3 billion in the same period last year. Monthly values in the third quarter this year were all over $3.0 billion, thus ensuring that third quarter imports were a record $9.4 billion.
Products showing year-to-date gains so far in 2006 include consumer goods, such as apparel and footwear, as well as toys and house furnishings; however, Canadian demand was also strong for iron and steel products, as well as electronics, machinery and vehicle parts.
Canada exported $7.1 billion in merchandise goods to China in 2005, making it our fourth largest export market. Exports between January and September this year reached $5.1 billion, down by about $200 million from the same period in 2005.
Exports of grains, organic chemicals and fertilizers have declined in 2006. But year-to-date exports of wood pulp and plastics as well as copper, nickel and aluminum have already surpassed their equivalent values in 2005.
Chinese demand for organic chemicals, specifically ethylene glycol, used in the production of fibres such as polyester, has remained constant. However, prices have fallen, depressing overall export values.
| Merchandise trade |
| |
August 2006r |
September 2006 |
August to September 2006 |
September 2005 to September 2006 |
January to September 2005 |
January to September 2006 |
January–September 2005 to January–September 2006 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted, $ current |
| |
$ millions |
% change |
$ millions |
% change |
| Principal trading partners |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Exports |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| United States |
30,421 |
29,208 |
-4.0 |
-8.5 |
270,349 |
272,470 |
0.8 |
| Japan |
966 |
882 |
-8.7 |
-8.7 |
7,671 |
7,928 |
3.4 |
| European Union |
2,740 |
2,928 |
6.9 |
14.6 |
21,594 |
24,522 |
13.6 |
| Other OECD countries1 |
1,523 |
1,819 |
19.4 |
41.1 |
11,205 |
12,896 |
15.1 |
| All other countries |
3,016 |
3,046 |
1.0 |
15.1 |
22,182 |
24,500 |
10.4 |
| Total |
38,667 |
37,883 |
-2.0 |
-3.8 |
333,003 |
342,320 |
2.8 |
| Imports |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| United States |
22,334 |
21,906 |
-1.9 |
1.6 |
193,817 |
196,646 |
1.5 |
| Japan |
1,071 |
1,039 |
-3.0 |
8.0 |
8,399 |
9,027 |
7.5 |
| European Union |
3,715 |
3,705 |
-0.3 |
19.1 |
28,419 |
31,496 |
10.8 |
| Other OECD countries1 |
1,954 |
1,912 |
-2.1 |
4.1 |
18,124 |
17,598 |
-2.9 |
| All other countries |
5,399 |
5,350 |
-0.9 |
4.9 |
39,886 |
46,118 |
15.6 |
| Total |
34,474 |
33,912 |
-1.6 |
4.1 |
288,645 |
300,885 |
4.2 |
| Balance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| United States |
8,087 |
7,302 |
... |
... |
76,532 |
75,824 |
... |
| Japan |
-105 |
-157 |
... |
... |
-728 |
-1,099 |
... |
| European Union |
-975 |
-777 |
... |
... |
-6,825 |
-6,974 |
... |
| Other OECD countries1 |
-431 |
-93 |
... |
... |
-6,919 |
-4,702 |
... |
| All other countries |
-2,383 |
-2,304 |
... |
... |
-17,704 |
-21,618 |
... |
| Total |
4,193 |
3,971 |
... |
... |
44,358 |
41,435 |
... |
| Principal commodity groupings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Exports |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Agricultural and fishing products |
2,682 |
2,738 |
2.1 |
7.1 |
22,297 |
23,375 |
4.8 |
| Energy products |
7,670 |
7,175 |
-6.5 |
-17.5 |
60,847 |
66,672 |
9.6 |
| Forestry products |
2,719 |
2,674 |
-1.7 |
-7.0 |
27,417 |
25,419 |
-7.3 |
| Industrial goods and materials |
8,317 |
8,306 |
-0.1 |
18.6 |
63,107 |
69,362 |
9.9 |
| Machinery and equipment |
8,056 |
8,092 |
0.4 |
3.2 |
70,799 |
71,405 |
0.9 |
| Automotive products |
6,505 |
6,234 |
-4.2 |
-19.2 |
64,749 |
61,723 |
-4.7 |
| Other consumer goods |
1,516 |
1,465 |
-3.4 |
5.3 |
12,991 |
13,139 |
1.1 |
| Special transactions trade2 |
680 |
716 |
5.3 |
2.0 |
6,089 |
6,468 |
6.2 |
| Other balance of payments adjustments |
523 |
482 |
-7.8 |
-18.6 |
4,703 |
4,761 |
1.2 |
| Imports |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Agricultural and fishing products |
2,001 |
2,015 |
0.7 |
8.8 |
16,412 |
17,402 |
6.0 |
| Energy products |
3,424 |
3,410 |
-0.4 |
14.3 |
24,441 |
26,996 |
10.5 |
| Forestry products |
259 |
255 |
-1.5 |
1.6 |
2,380 |
2,284 |
-4.0 |
| Industrial goods and materials |
7,047 |
6,863 |
-2.6 |
5.8 |
58,539 |
62,249 |
6.3 |
| Machinery and equipment |
9,661 |
9,579 |
-0.8 |
3.7 |
82,326 |
84,982 |
3.2 |
| Automotive products |
6,829 |
6,356 |
-6.9 |
-3.3 |
58,649 |
59,617 |
1.7 |
| Other consumer goods |
4,290 |
4,302 |
0.3 |
3.1 |
36,886 |
38,416 |
4.1 |
| Special transactions trade2 |
339 |
501 |
47.8 |
31.2 |
3,427 |
3,397 |
-0.9 |
| Other balance of payments adjustments |
623 |
631 |
1.3 |
-0.5 |
5,584 |
5,537 |
-0.8 |
| r | revised |
| ... | figures not appropriate or not applicable. |
| 1. | Includes Australia , Canada , Iceland , Mexico , New Zealand , Norway , South Korea , Switzerland and Turkey . |
| 2. | These are mainly low valued transactions, value of repairs to equipment, and goods returned to country of origin. |
|
Note to readers
Merchandise trade is one component of the current account of Canada's balance of payments, which also includes trade in services.
International trade data for the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom are available on both a balance of payments basis as well as a customs basis. Trade data for all other individual countries are available on a customs basis only.
Starting with reference month September 2006, there will be a section in The Daily at the end of each quarter describing trends in trade between Canada and emerging economies, such as China. This section will discuss data which are on a customs basis and are not seasonally adjusted.
Revisions
In general, merchandise trade data are revised on an ongoing basis for each month of the current year. Customs basis data are revised for the previous data year each quarter.
Factors influencing revisions include late receipt of import and export documentation, incorrect information on customs forms, replacement of estimates with actual figures, changes in classification of merchandise based on more current information, and changes to seasonal adjustment factors.
Revised data are available in the appropriate CANSIM tables.
|
On-line Retailer Committed to Issues of Diversity, Multiculturalism and
Peaceful Coexistence
HALIFAX - Mosaic Diverse Retail Products says it's changing the face of shopping. By offering a range of items that reflect that varied face of Canadian families, Mosaic offers products for a large group of Canadians who, they consider are poorly represented in retail.
"The multicultural and multi-racial family is a reality in Canada, and
yet it is nearly impossible to locate items that represent this reality,"
notes Grace Jefferies-Aldridge, Owner of Mosaic Diverse Retail Products.
"Children and adults from diverse, and mixed, ethnic backgrounds want to feel
represented and included in society. It is difficult to do this when you can't
purchase products that reflect your own image or family make-up."
Mosaic's offerings reflect Jefferies-Aldridge's personal passion and
commitment to issues of diversity, multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence.
Products include a large selection of items representing a broad range of
ethnic, multi-racial, and inter-racial families. Dolls, toys, clothing, books,
multimedia, educational tools, home décor, greeting cards, and more, are
available on-line and, in select areas, through independent sales consultants.
"As the mother of two girls who are growing up in a inter-racial family,
I found it challenging to locate products that helped give my daughters a
feeling of being represented in the world at large," notes Jefferies-Aldridge.
"There are multi-racial and inter-racial families across Canada - and yet when
it came to toys, games, room decorations, and more there was little available
that reflected our situation. I feel it is important for children to know that
they are normal and that is helped, in part, by feeling represented."
Mosaic products range in price from CAD$5.99 to $59.99 and include
wedding cards representing multi-racial couples; dolls representing a wide
range of ethnicities; ethnically diverse puppets; wallpaper borders that
depict children from a range of ethnic backgrounds, and clothing promoting
tolerance and racial harmony.
Items are available for shipping across Canada and internationally. Independent sales consultancy opportunities are available for individuals interested in sharing the Mosaic concept with their local community.
|
Holiday season looks profitable for Canadian retailers as consumers continue spending
Lower energy prices, strong housing market point to increased holiday
spending-Ernst & Young 2006 Holiday Sales Forecast
TORONTO - As we mark the beginning of the busiest shopping season for Canadian retailers, this year retailers can expect to see a positive increase in sales of 6-7% over the holiday season, faring slightly better than last year, according to the 2006 Canadian Holiday Sales Forecast, prepared by Ernst & Young. This increase is up a bit from last year's holiday season spending of $55 billion, a rise of 5.9% from the year previous. The forecast also suggests retail performance will not be even across the country: Vancouver and Calgary are expected to fare better than the national average, while Toronto and Montreal are expected to perform below the rest of the country.
"The robust Canadian housing market combined with low unemployment rates,
the strong Canadian dollar and falling energy prices have all worked together
to create a climate ripe for holiday shoppers to spend," says Jacques Dostie,
head of Ernst & Young's national retail and consumer products group. "Unlike
last year when retailers absorbed higher distribution costs that cut into
profits, this year no similar costs are expected and we'll see the climb in
holiday spending realized as profits for retailers."
Last year saw only a modest rise in spending, with an actual spending
increase of 5.9% in November and December over the previous year - the 2005
Canadian Holiday Sales Forecast predicted a 5-6% increase. This increase,
however, didn't translate into significantly increased profits for retailers
as they struggled with rising transportation costs resulting from Hurricane
Katrina and skyrocketing energy prices. These additional costs weren't largely
passed onto consumers and instead ate into profit margins. Retailers and
distributors are not facing similar challenges for the 2006 holiday season.
Mr. Dostie says that the retail climate in Canada will be somewhat
different than that of our neighbours south of the border who are predicting a
6.5% increase over 2005 holiday sales-down slightly from the actual retail
holiday 2005 sales of 6.7 percent: "Unlike in the U.S. where the increase in
holiday spending is projected to be down slightly this year from last, in
Canada we see the opposite trend-a slowing U.S. economy and weakening housing
market are expected to temper spending, factors not being experienced in
Canada where the economy and housing market remain healthy."
Despite differences in the Canadian and U.S. economies, in both markets
retailers can expect consumers to focus on the similar items. Consumer
electronics is anticipated to be the hottest category this holiday season with
many new variations on DVDs, iPods and accessories, mobile phones, digital
cameras, photo printers and thin-screened and high-definition TVs. The
Internet will have another robust year with online holiday sales continuing to
increase over last season. And consumers can expect promotions to start
earlier. Lean inventories will further contribute to retailers' bottom lines.
<<
Other highlights of the 2006 Holiday Sales Forecast:
- The popularity of gift cards means that holiday sales spill over into
the week between Christmas and New Year's; however most shoppers will
still hunt for last-minute bargains the two days before Christmas
- Department stores might have a mixed holiday season with luxury goods
retailers continuing to do well; mid-range department stores could be
squeezed between upscale chains and value retailers
- The biggest threat to big box specialty stores (including toy,
consumer electronics and home improvement retailers) is the large
value retailers who want to take more market share in the toy and
consumer electronic sectors
- Specialty apparel retailers face not having a "must-have" item; the
upscale denim craze was hot but has shown recent signs of slowing
- Jewellery and timepieces will also sell well this season.
>>
|
KFC Canada phasing in zero grams trans fat menu in all 786 restaurants nationally early in the new year
- Canadian-made trans fat free canola cooking oil being phased in
immediately
- The trans fat free cooking oil delivers the same great KFC taste that
customers have come to love with zero grams of trans fat in the
Colonel's Original Recipe Chicken
- Nearly all of KFC Canada's menu items will have zero grams of trans fat early in the new year
TORONTO- As of October 30, KFC Canada will immediately begin to phase in a Canadian-made trans fat free canola cooking oil, and virtually all of the menu items will be zero grams of trans fat when the trans fat free cooking oil conversion is completed in the new year.
"Our goal has been to continue to provide our customers with the best
quality Canadian products possible," said Jeff O'Neill, President and COO of
the Priszm Canadian Income Fund. "After intensive research, development and
testing, we have a Canadian-made trans fat free cooking oil that provides all
the same delicious taste as our original recipes. Thanks to our many Canadian
suppliers, with the trans fat free cooking oil conversion, nearly all our menu
items will have zero grams of trans fat and the same great KFC taste that our
customers have come to love."
By early 2007, virtually the entire KFC Canada menu will contain zero
grams of trans fat. In addition, KFC Canada's preliminary nutritional analysis
has also shown that with the new trans fat free cooking oil saturated fat
levels in many products have decreased, on average, 40 per cent.
The trans fat free Canadian-made canola cooking oil is being phased in,
through the month of November in all KFC Canada restaurants in
British Columbia and the Maritime provinces, followed by Quebec and Ontario
with all 786 KFC Canada restaurants converted by early next year.
"Our KFC customers have told us this was important to them and we made
this our priority. And now they can enjoy our delicious food without the trans
fat. That's all that matters to us," added O'Neill.
KFC Canada continues to offer a variety of menu items allowing customers
several choices of great-tasting and wholesome foods, including fresh green
salad, along with our growing lineup of grilled items including our grilled
chicken entrée salads, grilled chicken Twisters and our new Grilled Chicken
sandwich.
|
Restaurants, caterers and taverns August 2006 (preliminary)
Total estimated sales of the restaurants, caterers and taverns industry increased again in August, buoyed by strong sales gains for limited service restaurants. Sales totalled $3.6 billion in August, up 4.4% compared with the same month in 2005 (data are neither seasonally adjusted, nor adjusted for inflation).
All provinces posted year-over-year increases in August. Ontario and Quebec, which accounted for close to 60% of industry sales in August, posted increases of 1.1% and 1.9% respectively.
The increase in sales, at the national level, was due to higher sales at limited service restaurants (+8.6%). Sales increased by 1.5% in the full service restaurant sector in August, but declined by 4.7% in the drinking places sector. Food service contractors and caterers also posted respective increases of 10.3% and 11.3%. These two sectors account for almost 7% of the sales for the industry.
| Food services sales |
| |
August 2005r |
July 2006r |
August 2006p |
August 2005 to August 2006 |
| |
Not seasonally adjusted |
| |
$ thousands |
% change |
| Total, food services sales |
3,453,226 |
3,604,411 |
3,603,745 |
4.4 |
| Full-service restaurants |
1,689,917 |
1,714,344 |
1,714,798 |
1.5 |
| Limited-service restaurants |
1,321,379 |
1,432,564 |
1,434,506 |
8.6 |
| Food service contractors |
149,413 |
162,325 |
164,762 |
10.3 |
| Social and mobile caterers |
68,420 |
68,637 |
76,166 |
11.3 |
| Drinking places |
224,098 |
226,541 |
213,512 |
-4.7 |
| Provinces and territories |
|
|
|
|
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
41,675 |
45,216 |
45,968 |
10.3 |
| Prince Edward Island |
16,705 |
16,321 |
17,100 |
2.4 |
| Nova Scotia |
84,627 |
87,587 |
96,005 |
13.4 |
| New Brunswick |
61,389 |
64,547 |
61,486 |
0.2 |
| Quebec |
712,933 |
754,098 |
726,293 |
1.9 |
| Ontario |
1,403,765 |
1,417,761 |
1,419,006 |
1.1 |
| Manitoba |
84,802 |
89,606 |
96,206 |
13.4 |
| Saskatchewan |
85,589 |
89,128 |
88,050 |
2.9 |
| Alberta |
382,599 |
429,553 |
429,319 |
12.2 |
| British Columbia |
568,022 |
599,353 |
612,881 |
7.9 |
| Yukon |
3,204 |
3,442 |
3,320 |
3.6 |
| Northwest Territories |
7,424 |
7,461 |
7,779 |
4.8 |
| Nunavut |
493 |
338 |
331 |
-32.9 |
|
|
Retail trade August 2006
Retailers posted widespread gains in August, led by a second consecutive advance in new car dealer sales. In total, retail sales advanced 1.0% to $33.4 billion in August. Except for three months of slight declines, retail sales have been growing strongly so far in 2006.
Despite lower sales at gasoline stations, sales in the automotive sector (+1.5%) continued to surge ahead, on the strength of sales at new car dealers. Retail sales in the building and outdoor home supplies sector increased by 1.4% in August. Sales in this sector have been generally on the rise with only one month of decline since November 2005. Furniture, home furnishings and electronic stores' sales advanced 1.3%, continuing four consecutive months of sales gains.
General merchandise stores (+1.0%), clothing and accessories stores (+1.0%), food and beverage stores (+0.6%), and pharmacies and personal care stores (+0.6%) also posted higher sales.
Only one sector, miscellaneous retailers (-0.6%), experienced a sales decline in August. The miscellaneous category includes retailers such as office supply, sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores.
Excluding sales by dealers of new, used and recreational vehicles and auto parts, retail sales rose by 0.4% from July. Once price changes were taken into account, total retail sales grew by 1.1%.
Retail sales continue to grow, with the automotive sector leading the way
Sales at new car dealers continued to grow (+4.1%) in August. According to the New Motor Vehicle Sales Survey, truck sales (which include minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses) accounted for 80% of the increase in new motor vehicle sales in August, due to incentives targeted at larger vehicles. After a period of relative stability, in the wake of dealer incentives during the summer of 2005, new car dealer sales picked up in July, while August sales levels actually surpassed the July 2005 peak. However, based on preliminary data from the automotive industry, the number of new motor vehicles sold in September is estimated to have slipped about 4%, due to a fallback in truck sales. Sales of new motor vehicles account for approximately 64% of new car dealers' sales.
Gasoline station sales fell by 1.7% following a 3.2% increase in July. Over the long run, gasoline station sales have been on the rise since April 2003 with higher prices playing a large part in this increase.
Used and r | |
