Canadian retail sales up 0.4% in July, first increase in three months
Economists had expected an increase of 0.6%
OTTAWA—Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 0.4% in July to $51.5 billion, the first increase in three months.
Economists had expected an increase of 0.6%, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.
Statistics Canada says sales were up in six of the 11 subsectors it tracks representing 71% of retail trade.
Motor vehicle and parts dealers reported sales climbed 1.5% in July, boosted by higher sales at new car dealers.
The miscellaneous store retailer category rose 1.7%. boosted by a 14.3% increase at cannabis stores as sales at cannabis stores topped $100 million for the first time.
Building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers saw sales fall 3.2%.
