New car purchases and grocery sales led Canada’s retail sales to increase 0.2% in May and reach $66 billion.
However, the retail sales figure for May was revised down by Statistics Canada from a preliminary estimate that showed an increase of 0.5% for the month.
During May, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers gained 0.8%, while sales at food and beverage retailers rose 1%, and purchases at supermarkets and grocery stores increased 1.4%.
Core retail sales, which exclude sales at gas stations, were unchanged in May. In volume terms, retail sales gained 0.1% in the month.
Statistics Canada said its preliminary estimate for June suggests that retail sales for that month were unchanged. However, the federal agency stressed that the figure will be revised.
