Retail sales decreased 1.4% to $65.3 billion in March. Sales decreased in 5 of the 9 subsectors, representing 55.5% of retail trade, led by decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-4.4%) and gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-3.9%). Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—increased 0.3% in March. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 1.0% in March. Retail sales were up 0.7% in the first quarter of 2023. In volume terms, retail sales were up 1.2%. The decrease in retail sales in March was led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers ... (full story)

The data published by Statistics Canada showed on Friday that Retail Sales declined in March by 1.4% on a monthly basis following February's 0.2% decrease. This reading came as expected. Further details of the publication revealed that Retail Sales ex-Autos fell by 0.3% in the same period, less than the 0.8% decline expected. Key takeaways from the report: • Retail sales decreased 1.4% to $65.3 billion in March. Sales decreased in 5 of the 9 subsectors, representing 55.5% of retail trade, led by decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-4.4%) and gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-3.9%). • Core retail ... (full story)