Retail sales reached $68.7 billion in June, a decrease of 3.0% compared with the same month one year earlier. Lower sales were reported in 13 of the 18 commodity classes, reported Statistics Canada on Monday.
The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales in July increased by 1.5%. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised, added the federal agency.
“In June, the largest decline in dollar terms came from lower sales of motor vehicles (-8.4%). The decrease in this commodity class was driven by lower sales of new motor vehicles (-7.6%) and used motor vehicles (-9.4%),” it said.
“For the second consecutive month, retail sales of hardware, tools, and renovation and lawn and garden products (-5.5%) decreased year over year in June. Sales of renovation materials and supplies (-6.9%) posted the largest decrease within the class, driven by lower sales of lumber and other renovation materials and supplies (-8.6%).
“In dollar terms, the largest increase in June came from sales of food and beverages (+1.4%). Leading the growth within this product class were higher sales of eggs and dairy products (+6.6%) and cookies, confectionery, and snack foods (+5.7%). Lower sales of alcoholic beverages (-5.2%) partially offset the increase.”
