Canada retail sales rise in February with continued growth expected in March

Friday 24 April 2026 - 13:30

Retail sales in Canada recorded a moderate increase in February, reflecting steady consumer activity and offering a positive signal for the country’s economic outlook.

According to official data, retail sales rose by 0.7% compared to January, reaching approximately 72 billion Canadian dollars. The growth was largely driven by stronger sales in the automotive sector, particularly among motor vehicle and parts dealers, which represent a significant share of total retail activity.

Other sectors also contributed to the upward trend. Sales at gasoline stations saw a slight increase, while core retail sales—excluding automobiles and fuel—grew by 0.6%. This suggests that consumer demand remained resilient across categories such as food, beverages, and general merchandise.

Retail sales are widely viewed as a key indicator of economic performance, as they account for a large portion of consumer spending and play an important role in shaping gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

In volume terms, sales also showed a modest increase, indicating that growth was not solely driven by price changes. Early estimates for March point to a further rise of around 0.6%, suggesting continued momentum in consumer spending despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

Analysts note that while the growth remains moderate, it reflects stable demand and could support broader economic expansion if sustained in the coming months.