CALGARY - Alberta recorded the largest year-over-year growth rate in retail sales in December among all Canadian provinces.

Statistics Canada reported Tuesday that retail sales in the province hit $5.2 billion during the month, up 7.7 per cent from December 2009 and up 0.5 per cent from the previous month.

Nationally, retail sales edged down 0.2 per cent in December to $37.3 billion but that was still up 4.9 per cent from a year ago.

"On an annual basis, retail sales in current dollars rose 5.1 per cent between 2009 and 2010, with 10 of the 11 subsectors advancing," said Statistics Canada. "This growth was led by motor vehicle and parts dealers, where sales rose 7.8 per cent. Gasoline station sales grew by 14.2 per cent, reflecting price and volume increases. General merchandisers, which include department stores, posted a 4.4 per cent sales gain.

"Higher sales were reported in all provinces. Alberta registered the largest gain with a 5.7 per cent increase."

mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com

Retail sales in December (% change from November):

Canada -0.2

Alberta +0.5

Newfoundland and Labrador -0.2

Prince Edward Island -0.6

Nova Scotia -0.2

New Brunswick -2.9

Quebec +0.8

Ontario 0.0

Manitoba -0.4

Saskatchewan -1.9

British Columbia -2.2

Source: Statistics Canada