Canada's retail sales decreased 0.8% to C$66.1B in May, up 1.0% year-over-year; largest contribution to decline came from decreases at food and beverage retailers: Statistics Canada

OTTAWA , July 19, 2024 (press release) –

Retail sales decreased 0.8% to $66.1 billion in May. Sales were down in eight of nine subsectors, led by decreases at food and beverage retailers.

Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were down 1.4% in May.

In volume terms, retail sales decreased 0.7% in May.

Chart 1: Retail sales decrease in May

Core retail sales decline
Following an increase of 1.2% in April, core retail sales were down 1.4% in May on lower receipts at all core retail subsectors, with the largest decrease in sales being at food and beverage retailers (-1.9%). Sales at food and beverage retailers were down on lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers) (-2.1%) and beer, wine and liquor retailers (-3.3%).

Lower sales in May were also reported at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-2.7%) and general merchandise retailers (-1.0%).

Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rise, while sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors fall
The sole increase in retail sales in May was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+0.8%), up for the third time in four months. Higher sales at new car dealers (+1.6%) led the increase. Gains at used car dealers (+1.8%) were more than offset by lower sales at other motor vehicle dealers (-5.0%) and automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers (-3.4%).

Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-0.6%) were down in May. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors increased 1.0%.

Chart 2: Sales decrease in eight of nine subsectors in May

Sales down in nine provinces
Retail sales decreased in nine provinces in May. The largest provincial decrease was observed in Alberta (-2.5%), led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.

In British Columbia, retail sales decreased 1.3% in May, led by lower sales at food and beverage retailers. In the census metropolitan area of Vancouver, sales were down 1.2%.

The sole provincial increase in retail sales in May was observed in Nova Scotia (+0.6%). The increase was led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.

Retail e-commerce sales in Canada
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales were down 3.6% to $3.9 billion in May, accounting for 5.9% of total retail trade, compared with 6.1% in April.

Advance retail indicator
Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales decreased 0.3% in June. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 50.3% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 90.0%.

Note to readers
Volume estimates and indexes in table 20-10-0067 have been revised back to 2020 as a result of regular annual revisions of the indexes back to January 2023 from updated respondent data.

All data in this release are seasonally adjusted and expressed in current dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Seasonally adjusted data are data that have been modified to eliminate the effect of seasonal and calendar influences to allow for more meaningful comparisons of economic conditions from period to period. For more information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.

The percentage change for the advance estimate of retail sales is calculated using seasonally adjusted data and is expressed in current dollars.

This early indicator is a special unofficial estimate being provided to offer Canadians timely information on the retail sector. The data sources and methodology used are the same as those outlined on the Monthly Retail Trade Survey information page.

Trend-cycle estimates are included in selected charts as a complement to the seasonally adjusted series. These data represent a smoothed version of the seasonally adjusted time series and provide information on longer-term movements, including changes in direction underlying the series. For information on trend-cycle data, see Trend-cycle estimates – Frequently asked questions.

Both seasonally adjusted data and trend-cycle estimates are subject to revision as additional observations become available. These revisions could be extensive and could even lead to a reversal of movement, especially for the reference months near the end of the series or during periods of economic disruption.

Some common e-commerce transactions, such as travel and accommodation bookings, ticket purchases and financial transactions, are not included in Canadian retail sales figures.

Total retail sales expressed in volume terms are calculated by deflating current-dollar values using consumer price indexes.

Find more statistics on retail trade.

Next release
Data on retail trade for June will be released on August 23.

Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).

Industry Intelligence Editor's Note: This press release omits select charts and/or marketing language for editorial clarity. Click here to view the full report.

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