Retail sales in Saskatchewan were up 8.2 per cent in May 2012 over last May according to a report released by Statistics Canada.

Saskatchewan recorded the second highest percentage rate in the nation, surpassing the 3.1 per cent national average. Retail sales in May totalled $1.4 billion, the highest on record for the month.

“Retail sales are a reflection of consumer confidence in our economy,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “We have a province that is leading the nation in a number of economic categories today, companies are investing in our province for the long term and economic forecasters are putting Saskatchewan’s growth near the top of the nation for the next several years.”

Saskatchewan ranked first among the provinces in monthly growth, up 2.0 per cent between April 2012 and May 2012, and well ahead of the 0.3 per cent average posted for Canada.

“High retail sales contribute to economic growth on both a local and provincial level,” Boyd said. “It makes Saskatchewan an attractive location for potential investors and for those looking to either establish or expand their business, be it in our rural areas or our largest cities.”