Retail sales in Canada gained 1.1% to reach $63.1 billion in June, lifted by higher sales at gas
stations and automotive dealerships, according to Statistics Canada.
Sales at gas stations rose 3.9% in June, while sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers gained
1.8%, bolstered by a 2.9% increase at new car dealers. Sales at used car dealers grew 1.7% in
the month.
Core retail sales that exclude both gas stations and motor vehicle dealers rose 0.2% in June.
General merchandise stores posted sales gains of 1.1% in June, while sales at clothing stores
rose 2.1%, helped by a 2.4% increase at jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores.
Sales at food and beverage stores fell 1.1% in June as sales at supermarkets and other grocery
stores dropped 0.8%, and beer, wine and liquor store sales slumped 2.9%.
Statistics Canada said that its preliminary estimate for July suggests that retail sales in that
month declined 2%, though it cautioned that figures for that month are likely to be revised.
