Statistics Canada says retail sales up 0.2 per cent to $66 billion in May

OTTAWA –

Statistics Canada says retail gross sales rose 0.2 per cent to $66.0 billion in May, helped by positive factors at new automobile sellers and grocery shops.

However, the determine fell wanting the company’s early estimate for May launched final month that forecasted a acquire of 0.5 per cent. Its early estimate for June suggests retail gross sales for that month have been unchanged, however cautioned the determine can be revised.

For May, gross sales at motorized vehicle and elements sellers gained 0.8 per cent, helped larger by a 0.7 per cent gross sales acquire at new automobile sellers and a 5.5 per cent enhance at different motorized vehicle sellers.

Sales at meals and beverage retailers rose 1.0 per cent as gross sales at supermarkets and grocery shops gained 1.4 per cent.

Core retail gross sales — which exclude gasoline stations and gas distributors, together with motorized vehicle and elements sellers — have been unchanged in May.

In quantity phrases, retail gross sales rose 0.1 per cent for the month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 21, 2023.