Retail sales increased 1.0% to $70.4 billion in August. Sales were up in six of nine subsectors and were led by increases at motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 1.1% in August.
In volume terms, retail sales increased 1.0% in August.
Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rise, while sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors fall
The largest increase in retail sales in August was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+1.8%), up for a third consecutive month. The increase was led by higher sales at new car dealers (+2.3%) and, to a lesser extent, used car dealers (+1.5%).
Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-2.0%) decreased for a second consecutive month in August. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors decreased 2.6%.
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Core retail sales rise
Following a decrease of 1.2% in July, core retail sales increased 1.1% in August on higher receipts at general merchandise retailers (+2.4%).
Higher sales were also recorded at clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers, up 3.2% in August.
The largest decrease in core retail sales in August came from building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-0.3%).
Sales up in five provinces
Retail sales increased in five provinces in August. The largest provincial increase in dollar terms was observed in Ontario (+1.2%) on higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the census metropolitan area (CMA) of Toronto, retail sales were up 2.4% in the month.
In Quebec, retail sales increased 1.8% in August, marking a third consecutive monthly increase. In the CMA of Montréal, retail sales were up 2.3%.
The largest provincial decrease in retail sales in August was observed in Nova Scotia (-0.5%). This decrease was led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Retail e-commerce sales in Canada
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales increased 0.1% to $4.3 billion in August, accounting for 6.1% of total retail trade, compared with 6.2% in July.
Advance retail indicator
Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales decreased 0.7% in September. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 48.4% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 89.3%.
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Note to readers
All data in this release are seasonally adjusted and expressed in current dollars, unless otherwise noted.
Seasonally adjusted data are data that have been modified to eliminate the effect of seasonal and calendar influences to allow for more meaningful comparisons of economic conditions from period to period. For more information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.
The percentage change for the advance estimate of retail sales is calculated using seasonally adjusted data and is expressed in current dollars.
The early indicator in this release is a special unofficial estimate being provided to offer Canadians timely information on the retail sector. The data sources and methodology used are the same as those outlined on the Monthly Retail Trade Survey information page.
Trend-cycle estimates are included in selected charts as a complement to the seasonally adjusted series. These data represent a smoothed version of the seasonally adjusted time series and provide information on longer-term movements, including changes in direction underlying the series. For information on trend-cycle data, see Trend-cycle estimates – Frequently asked questions.
Both seasonally adjusted data and trend-cycle estimates are subject to revision as additional observations become available. These revisions could be extensive and could even lead to a reversal of movement, especially for the reference months near the end of the series or during periods of economic disruption.
Some common e-commerce transactions, such as travel and accommodation bookings, ticket purchases and financial transactions, are not included in Canadian retail sales figures.
Total retail sales expressed in volume terms are calculated by deflating current-dollar values using consumer price indexes.
Find more statistics on retail trade.
Next release
Data on retail trade for September 2025 will be released on November 21.