In May 2025, Canada's core retail sales indicator saw a modest improvement, reaching -0.2%, a slight increase from the -0.3% recorded in April, according to the latest data updated on July 24, 2025. This marks a slight positive shift in the month-over-month comparison of retail performance across the country.
The previous figure from April 2025 revealed a -0.3% change, indicating a minor contraction in core retail sales activity compared to March of the same year. The latest data, however, suggests a gradual improvement, albeit still dwelling in the negative territory, signaling ongoing challenges in the retail sector.
This fractional uptick may reflect underlying resilience in consumer spending or an adjustment following earlier declines. While the numbers are not yet in positive growth, the easing contraction may foster cautious optimism among economic analysts watching Canada's retail landscape for signs of recovery or further adjustment.
