Published September 22, 2023, 10:38 a.m. ET
People shop at a Metro grocery store in Toronto, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
OTTAWA – Retail sales rose 0.3 per cent to $66.1 billion in July, helped by strong sales at supermarkets and grocery stores, according to Statistics Canada.
However, the agency said its initial estimate for August suggested retail sales fell 0.3 percent that month, but warned that the figure would be revised.
Statistics Canada said sales at food and beverage retailers rose 1.3 per cent in July, while supermarkets and other food retailers excluding convenience stores rose 1.5 per cent and beer, wine and spirits retailers rose 1.3 per cent . Sales in general goods retail rose by 1.8 percent.
Meanwhile, sales at auto and parts dealers fell 1.6 percent, the first decline in four months, as sales at new car dealers fell 1.7 percent and at used car dealers fell 3.1 percent.
Core retail sales — which include gas stations and fuel vendors as well as automobile and parts dealers — rose 1.3 percent in July.
In terms of volume, retail sales fell by 0.2 percent in July.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2023.
“Evil alcohol lover. Twitter junkie. Future teen idol. Reader. Food aficionado. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Typical bacon enthusiast.”