OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 1.0 per cent to $73.7 billion in May as sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors posted the largest increase for the month, boosted by higher prices.
The agency says sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors were up 3.1 per cent, however in volume terms, sales for the group fell 2.7 per cent in May.
Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations, fuel vendors, and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were up 0.9 per cent for the month.
General merchandise retailers gained 1.0 per cent for the category’s first increase in three months, while sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers rose 1.8 per cent to also post their first gain in three months.
In volume terms, overall retail sales rose 0.3 per cent for May.
Looking ahead, Statistics Canada says its advance estimate suggests retail sales increased 0.4 per cent in June, though it cautioned the figure will be revised.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2026.
