Canada’s retail sector lost some momentum in April 2026, with sales rising 0.6% month-on-month, down from a 0.9% gain in March. The latest data, updated on 22 May 2026, signals a moderation in consumer spending as the pace of growth eased heading into the second quarter.
On a month-over-month basis, April’s figure reflects a slower expansion compared with the previous month, when March 2026 retail sales had climbed 0.9% versus February. The comparison underscores a still-positive but decelerating trend in retail activity, suggesting Canadian consumers remain active but are becoming more cautious in their spending patterns.
The month-on-month framework means April’s 0.6% reading measures the change in sales relative to March, while the prior 0.9% figure captured the shift from February to March. This step-down in growth will be watched closely by analysts assessing the durability of consumer demand within Canada’s broader economic outlook.
