Retail sales in Canada rose by an estimated 0.4% in June 2026 compared with the previous month, according to a preliminary reading. If confirmed, this would represent the sixth consecutive monthly increase in retail activity.
In May, retail turnover advanced 1.0% to C$73.7 billion, matching earlier estimates. Sales increased across all nine subsectors, led by gasoline stations and fuel vendors, where sales climbed 3.1%.
Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 0.7% in May, marking a second straight monthly gain. All four store types within this subsector reported higher sales, with new car dealers leading the advance with a 0.5% increase.
Core retail sales—excluding certain volatile components—rose 0.9% in May after a 0.7% decline in April. The gain was driven primarily by a 1.0% increase at general merchandise retailers, their first monthly rise in three months.
Retail sales increased in nine provinces in May, with British Columbia posting a notable 2.1% gain.
