Retail sales in Canada are estimated to have risen by 1% month-over-month in May 2026, according to a preliminary reading. If confirmed, this would represent the fifth consecutive monthly increase in retail activity.
In April, retail sales climbed 0.5% to C$73 billion, a slight downward revision from the initial estimate of 0.6%. The strongest gains were recorded at gasoline stations and fuel vendors, where sales jumped 5.1% to C$7.51 billion. This reflected both a 0.8% increase in sales volume and the impact of higher fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Sales also advanced at health and personal care stores, up 1.2% to C$6.58 billion; at building materials and supplies retailers, up 3.3% to C$3.81 billion; and at furniture, electronics, and appliances retailers, up 0.7% to C$3.4 billion.
By contrast, food and beverage stores recorded a decline, with sales falling 2% to C$13.27 billion.
