National Overview:
The retail industry is one of the most competitive and vibrant sectors of the economy, representing 5.6 per cent of the national GDP. Nationally, it generated more than $346 billion in 2004 annual retail store sales, an increase of 5.0 per cent over the previous year.

Retailers offer consumers an enormous range of products from around the world, sold through many types of retail formats. In supplying the products Canadians need and want, retailers establish and maintain close links with their communities. They have a unique insight into Canadians' mindsets through their shopping patterns and thus insight into the economic health of our country.

Ontario Retail Industry Overview:
The retail sector is a vital part of Ontario's economy. In 2004, it achieved almost $129 billion in annual sales and represented more than five per cent of the provincial GDP.

While many high-profile retailers are big businesses, retail is essentially a small business sector. A vast majority of retail businesses in Ontario employ fewer than four people and have sales of less than $500,000 annually.

The retail sector reaches every corner of the province, with more than 85,600 storefronts across Ontario. When considering businesses with a payroll and a fixed address (the key criteria Statistics Canada uses to classify a business establishment), the retail industry has the largest number of business establishments in Ontario. When including indeterminate businesses such as sole proprietorships and partnerships, retail is still Ontario's third largest industry.

Retailers are also major employers in the Ontario economy. Employment in retail represents over 11 per cent of the province's total employment, directly employing more than 760,000 Ontarians. In fact, retail is Ontario's second largest employer.

Indeed, the contributions made by this economic sector are felt in every corner of the province and affect the lives of all residents.