Retail sales climbed in May 2023: StatCan

Retail sales increased 0.2% to $66.0 billion in May 2023 according to the latest report from Statistics Canada. Sales increased in five of nine subsectors and were led by increases at motor vehicle and parts dealers (0.8%) and food and beverage retailers (1.0%). Year over year, retail sales were up 0.5% and core retail rose 2.9%.

Higher receipts were reported at food and beverage retailers (1.0%) and, to a lesser extent, sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers (0.8%). Offsetting these gains were lower sales at general merchandise retailers (-0.7%), building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-1.5%), and clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewellery, luggage, and leather goods retailers (-0.8%).