Seasonally-adjusted Canadian retail sales rose by 0.9% in November to $51.5 billion, driven by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, and at food and beverage stores. This marks the strongest monthly increase since March 2019 (1.3%). Higher sales were reported in 6 of 11 sub-sectors, representing 70% of retail sales. 

Regionally, 6 of 10 provinces reported increases in November, led by Ontario (1.6%) and Quebec (1.4%). In contrast, retail sales in Alberta continue to trend downward (-0.9%).

In B.C., seasonally-adjusted retail sales rose by 1.1% to $7.2 billion in November, driven by increased sales at electronic, home furnishing and clothing stores. Vancouver also reported a monthly increase of 1.2% in sales. Compared to the same time last year, B.C. retail sales were up by 0.6% in November.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.