Canadian retail sales rose 1.0% in May to $73.7 billion

Canadian retail sales rose 1.0% to $73.7 billion in May as sales increased across all nine subsectors, with gasoline stations and fuel vendors posting the largest gain, according to Statistics Canada.

Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors were up 3.1% in May, though the agency noted that in volume terms, sales for the group fell 2.7% — meaning the increase was driven by higher prices rather than increased purchasing. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 0.7% in May, marking a second consecutive monthly gain.

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations, fuel vendors, and motor vehicle and parts dealers, rose 0.9% in May. The increase was led by general merchandise retailers, which posted a 1.0% gain for their first increase in three months. Sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers also rose 1.8%, also posting their first gain in three months.

Sales at food and beverage retailers were up 0.5% in May, with supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers) rising 1.0%. In volume terms, overall retail sales increased 0.3% in May. Statistics Canada's advance estimate suggests retail sales increased 0.4% in June, though the agency cautioned that figure will be revised.