YORKTON - According to a Trade and Export Development release new figures released by Statistics Canada indicate a year-over-year increase of 8.8 per cent in Saskatchewan's retail trade sales from January 2024 to January 2025 (seasonally adjusted).
Saskatchewan also saw a month-over-month increase of 2.7 per cent from December 2024 to January 2025. Both of these increases ranked second among the provinces in terms of percentage change.
"The rise in Saskatchewan's retail trade reflects the positive economic impact of our local businesses and their contribution to the province's strong economy," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said via the release. "The support and demand for made in Saskatchewan products, helps create more jobs and opportunities, while stimulating the economy, allowing for continued investments into services benefiting Saskatchewan people."
Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle suggests things are at least steady locally in terms of sales.
“Personally, in my retail businesses I am seeing things be quite steady year over year, although one business may be up and the other down, and have even seen new competitors open stores,” he told Yorkton This Week. “Staffing remains the same, sales as mentioned are up or even in one type of retail and down in another.”
Kienle said retail sales of course are important to the city.
“Retail is a vital part of Yorkton’s economy, supporting the industries and services that bring people to our city,” he said.
“As the third-largest trading hub in Saskatchewan, we’ve seen a steady retail environment with both closures and new businesses opening. The most recent census data highlights that nearly half of Yorkton’s workforce is employed in retail, underscoring its importance and the opportunities it creates in our community. While economic conditions may vary by sector, Yorkton remains a strong and resilient center for business and commerce.”
The value of retail trade in Saskatchewan reached $2.2 billion in January 2025 (seasonally adjusted) according to the release.
The Monthly Retail Trade Survey compiles data on sales, including e-commerce sales, and the amount of retail locations by province, territory and selected census metropolitan areas from a sample of retailers.
Retail sales is a measure of total receipts at stores, or establishments, that sell goods and services to final consumers.
Several other key economic indicators are also trending upward in the province. Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.8 billion, or 2.3 per cent. This ties Saskatchewan for second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.
Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.
