According to Statistics Canada, retail sales increased by 0.6 percent to $66.5 billion in September. The boost was led by gains at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Additionally, early estimates from the agency indicate that retail sales continued to rise in October, with a 0.8 percent increase; however, the agency cautioned that these estimates are subject to revision.
Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose by 1.5 percent in September, driven by a substantial 2.4 percent increase in sales at new car dealers. Conversely, sales at used car dealers experienced a 2 percent decline. Excluding gasoline stations, fuel vendors, and motor vehicle and parts dealers, core retail sales fell 0.3 percent in September.
Food and beverage retailers experienced a 0.4 percent decline in sales, while sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers saw a more significant drop of 1.6 percent. Despite these fluctuations, overall retail sales in volume terms saw a 0.3 percent increase in September.