Retail and Wholesale Trade

In 2009 the NWT had the highest retail sales per capita in Canada, which at $15,968 is some 30 percent higher than the Canadian average of $12,312. This is attributed to the growth in incomes and employment in the mining sector, and reflects sales of vehicles as well as other consumer products. The retail growth rate has averaged 6.8 percent over five years (2004 – 2009).

Growth in the wholesale trade sector in the NWT is closely linked to investment in the mining and oil and gas industries.  This represents investments in equipment and the replacement of equipment -- for example, cargo haulers, blasting supplies and food and accommodation services.