Canada Retail Sales Research Brief

Deals drive recovery in consumer spending on the month. Retail activity posted a solid rebound in November, with sales up 1.3 per cent month-over-month and gains recorded across eight of nine subsectors. Food and beverage retailers were the main drivers, boosted by the resolution of B.C.’s liquor-distribution disruptions. Renewed strength in clothing, building materials, and health care also contributed. Core retail sales climbed an even stronger 1.6 per cent, and inflation-adjusted numbers were up 1.1 per cent on the month. While November’s uptick reflects healthy participation across categories, early estimates point to a 0.5 per cent pullback in December, suggesting the surge was fuelled more by Black Friday promotions than a sustained improvement in underlying consumer demand.