Canadian Retail Sales Rise for 5th Month

Retail sales in Canada surged by 1% from the previous month in May of 2026, according to a preliminary estimate. If confirmed, it would mark a fifth straight increase in retail sales. In April, retail turnover rose by 0.5% to C$73 billion, revised slightly lower from the initial estimate of 0.6%. Sales soared by 5.1% to C$7.51 billion for gasoline stations and fuel vendors, as the continued increase in fuel costs due to the war in the Middle East magnified a 0.8% increase in volume of sales. Meanwhile, turnover also rose for health and personal care retailers (1.2% to C$6.58 billion), building supplies and materials (3.3% to C$3.81 billion), and furniture, electronics, and appliances retailers (0.7% to C$3.4 billion). On the other hand, retail turnover fell for food and beverage stores (-2% to C$13.27 billion).

Retail sales in Canada increased 0.6% month-over-month in April 2026, according to a preliminary estimate. If confirmed, it would mark a fourth consecutive month of gains in retail sales. In March, retail sales increased 0.9%, higher than initial estimates of a 0.6% rise, led by a 12.4% jump in sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors, coinciding with higher gas prices related to the supply shock resulting from the conflict in the Middle East. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors fell 1.9% in March. Sales at automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers also increased (+2.2%).In contrast, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers fell 0.5%, with lower sales at used car dealers (-4%) leading the decline. Sales at new car dealers edged down 0.1% after recording two consecutive monthly gains.

Retail sales in Canada are estimated to have increased 0.6% month-over-month in March 2026, according to a preliminary estimate. If confirmed, it would mark a third consecutive month of gains in retail sales. In February, retail sales were up 0.7%, below an initial estimate of a 0.9% rise, with sales up in seven of nine subsectors. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers increased 1%, led by sales at new car dealers (+0.7%), followed by used car dealers (+4.0%). Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors were unchanged in February. Meanwhile, core retail sales rose 0.6%, posting their second consecutive increase. The gain was led by higher sales at general merchandise retailers (+1.2%) and food and beverage retailers (+0.9%). Higher sales were also recorded at clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (+1.1%). The largest decrease came from building material and garden equipment (-0.6%).