Retail sales reached $67.8 billion in June, an increase of 11.1% compared with the same month in 2021. Higher sales were reported in 15 of the 18 commodity classes.
The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales increased by 6.5% in July. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised.
Fuel sales continue to drive retail spending
In June, the largest contributor to the increase in dollar terms came from higher sales of automotive and household fuels (+69.1%). Sales of motor vehicles also rose by 2.0% in June.
Sales of essential products continue to rise
Sales of food posted its fourth consecutive year-over-year increase, rising 7.2%, in June. Leading the gains were higher sales of packaged food dry goods (+9.7%) and frozen food (+15.7%). Sales of fresh food posted an increase of 4.8%, led by higher sales of eggs and dairy products (+8.0%) and baked goods (+11.2%).
Sales of home health products grew by 12.9%, with the majority of gains coming from sales of pharmaceuticals (+12.0%). Higher sales of eyewear (+23.6%) and home health products not elsewhere classified (+15.4%) were posted in June.
Sales of discretionary products are led by clothing
Sales of clothing (+22.4%) remained strong, posting their fourth consecutive monthly gain over sales levels from the same four months in 2019. Sales increases were recorded in every subclass.
Source: Statistics Canada
