Canada’s retail sector lost some momentum in February, with month-over-month sales growth easing to 0.7%, down from a previously recorded 1.2%. Both the current and prior readings relate to February 2026, with the latest figures updated on 24 April 2026.
The data, measured on a month-over-month basis, reflect how retail activity in February compared to the previous month, while the earlier 1.2% figure captured the change from that earlier month to its predecessor. The slowdown from 1.2% to 0.7% indicates that, although Canadian consumers continued to increase spending, the pace of that growth moderated.
This deceleration may signal emerging caution among households or a normalization after a stronger prior month, and will be closely watched by analysts assessing the strength and resilience of Canada’s domestic demand in early 2026.
