Skip to main content

Scroll Down

Special Report

Canada Retail Sales Research Brief

August 2026

Retail Spending Rebounds as Investment Activity Gradually Strengthens

Consumer spending jumps to close out the second quarter. Canadian retail activity strengthened considerably in June, with inflation-adjusted sales up 1.5 per cent — the largest monthly gain since December 2024. In nominal terms, sales rose 0.6 per cent, while excluding motor vehicles and gasoline stations, receipts rose a stronger 1.2 per cent. Gains were relatively broad-based, led by clothing and accessories, sporting goods, and building materials, while e-commerce sales surged 10 per cent amid the earlier timing of Amazon Prime Day. Despite June’s strong finish, retail sales volumes increased at a more moderate 1.8 per cent annualized pace during the second quarter, reflecting softer consumer spending earlier in the period.

Related Research

Back to top