Retail sales in Canada tick down 0.1% in June
Retail sales in Canada edged down 0.1% in June, as weaker sales at food and beverage stores erased good sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms declined 0.3% in June, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
Sales fell in 7 out of 11 subsectors, with a drop of 1.5% in food and beverage sales. Demand in beer, wine and liquor stores was 4.7% lower. Supermarkets and other grocery stores saw 0.9% less demand in June. General merchandise decreased by 1.5% in June. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers fell 1.9% despite summer and building season. Clothing stores saw a 1.7% decline.
Conversely, motor vehicle and parts dealers saw a rise in sales of 2.0% in June, while demand for used cars dropped 1.8%.
"Sales at gasoline stations (+1.8%) rose for the third consecutive month, largely reflecting higher prices at the pump," said Statistics Canada.
