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.
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.
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%).
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.
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Note to readers
The Retail Commodity Survey collects national-level retail sales data, by commodity, from the same businesses surveyed in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey. No data have been seasonally adjusted. All percentage changes are year over year.
New classification standard
As of the January 2023 reference period, Retail Commodity Survey figures are based on the 2022 North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) and the North American Industry Classification System structures. These new classification structures have introduced new commodities, updated commodity definitions and broadened the industry scope for the estimates of the Retail Commodity Survey.
Tables 20-10-0016 and 20-10-0017 have been archived. National monthly commodity estimates in NAPCS 2022 are now available in table 20-10-0080 starting with January 2023. National industry-based quarterly commodity estimates are available in table 20-10-0071 starting in the first quarter of 2023.
Find more statistics on retail trade.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).