Overview
- Statistics Canada reported a 1.0% rise in August retail sales to $70.4 billion, matching a 1.0% gain in volume and following a revised 0.7% decline in July.
- Motor vehicle and parts dealers led August’s increase with a 1.8% gain, including a 2.3% rise at new car dealers and a 1.5% uptick at used car dealers.
- Sales excluding autos grew 0.7%, while core retail sales—excluding gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers—rose 1.1%.
- Clothing and accessories retailers climbed 3.2% and general merchandise stores rose 2.4%, as gasoline stations declined and building materials edged down 0.3%.
- Five provinces posted gains in August, led by Ontario up 1.2%, while Nova Scotia recorded the largest decline at 0.5%.