CALGARY, AB, Feb. 23, 2013/ Troy Media/ – Maybe it was the hockey lockout, or maybe just the cold weather. Whatever the reason, Albertans seemed to be in little mood in December for one of their favourite pastimes: shopping.

According to Statistics Canada, total retail sales in the province slumped to $5.712 billion in the last month of 2012, a 2.5 per cent dip from November and the second consecutive decrease. Compared to December of the previous year, total sales are higher by 1.9 per cent. The figures are adjusted for seasonal variation, so any of the effects of Christmas shopping are accounted for.

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