Canada’s retail sales rise 1.2% in August
All nine subsectors grow; September remains a preliminary estimate.
Carried forward October 26, 2026. October 23 data cover August; the September estimate remains preliminary.
Statistics Canada reported on October 23 that August retail sales rose 1.2% from July to C$74.6 billion. All nine subsectors recorded gains. [1]
The role of vehicle sales
Reuters corroborates the figures and notes that vehicle dealers contributed most to the increase. The result followed July’s 0.7% decline. [2]
September remains preliminary
The advance estimate for September points to a 0.7% increase. It covers responses from 58.5% of surveyed companies and will be revised, Statistics Canada says. [1]
Before the rate decision
Reuters notes that the data precede the Bank of Canada’s rate decision expected the following week. Economists remain divided between an increase and a hold: retail sales are not a central bank decision. [2]
Perspectives compared
Sources and documents
- [1] Statistics Canada — retail trade ↗October 23, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET
- [2] Reuters — Promit Mukherjee and Dale Smith / MarketScreener ↗October 23, 2026