By Dr. Ken Jones and Tansel Erguden

 This report updates, identifies and interprets the changes in the major concentrations of retail sales activity in Canada since 1995.  Using the SARTRE (Small Area Retail Trade Estimates) database, this update examines changes in the ranking of major retail areas in Canada for the 1995-1999 period.  In the research, the hot spots of Canadian retailing are identified and evaluated for total retail sales (excluding automotive), fashion retailing and general merchandise goods.  In addition, the fastest growing retail markets over the 1996-1999 period are identified.  With the release of this information a more precise view of the dynamics of the Canadian retail economy to 1999 - the most recent data for which data are available - is possible.