Retail trade, October 2024
Released: 2024-12-20
$67.6 billion
October 2024
0.6% 
(monthly change)
$1.0 billion
October 2024
-1.0% 
(monthly change)
$0.3 billion
October 2024
-2.9%
(monthly change)
$1.8 billion
October 2024
1.0%
(monthly change)
$1.5 billion
October 2024
-0.4%
(monthly change)
$15.2 billion
October 2024
0.2%
(monthly change)
$25.1 billion
October 2024
0.9%
(monthly change)
$2.3 billion
October 2024
1.9%
(monthly change)
$2.2 billion
October 2024
0.5%
(monthly change)
$8.8 billion
October 2024
0.1%
(monthly change)
$9.1 billion
October 2024
0.9%
(monthly change)
$0.1 billion
October 2024
-3.2%
(monthly change)
$0.1 billion
October 2024
3.4%
(monthly change)
$0.1 billion
October 2024
-0.8%
(monthly change)
Retail sales increased 0.6% to $67.6 billion in October. Sales were up in five of nine subsectors and were led by increases at motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 0.2% in October.
In volume terms, retail sales were unchanged in October.
Chart 1
Retail sales increase in October
Sales up at motor vehicle and parts dealers
The largest increase in retail sales in October was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+2.0%). Higher sales at new car dealers (+2.5%) led the increase, followed by used car dealers (+2.5%). Automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers (-3.3%) were the only store type within this subsector to record a decrease in October.
Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-0.5%) were down for a sixth consecutive month in October. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors decreased 4.7%, following an increase of 4.1% in September.
Core retail sales rise
Core retail sales increased 0.2% in October, posting their second consecutive monthly increase. The gain was led by higher sales at furniture, home furnishings, electronics and appliances retailers (+2.5%).
In October, higher sales were also recorded at health and personal care retailers (+0.8%).
The largest decrease in core retail sales in October came from food and beverage retailers (-0.7%). Sales at food and beverage retailers were down from lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers) (-0.9%) and beer, wine and liquor retailers (-0.4%).
Chart 2
Sales increase in five of nine subsectors in October
Sales up in seven provinces
Retail sales increased in seven provinces in October. The largest provincial increase in dollar terms was observed in Ontario (+0.9%), led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the census metropolitan area (CMA) of Toronto, sales were up 2.0%.
In British Columbia, retail sales increased 0.9% in October on the strength of higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the CMA of Vancouver, sales were up 0.1%.
The largest provincial decrease in retail sales in October was observed in Newfoundland and Labrador (-1.0%), led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Retail e-commerce sales in Canada
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales were up 1.5% to $4.2 billion in October, accounting for 6.2% of total retail trade.
Advance retail indicator
Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales were relatively unchanged in November. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 50.6% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 88.7%.
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Note to readers
All data in this release are seasonally adjusted and expressed in current dollars, unless otherwise noted.
Seasonally adjusted data are data that have been modified to eliminate the effect of seasonal and calendar influences to allow for more meaningful comparisons of economic conditions from period to period. For more information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.
The percentage change for the advance estimate of retail sales is calculated using seasonally adjusted data and is expressed in current dollars.
This early indicator is a special unofficial estimate being provided to offer Canadians timely information on the retail sector. The data sources and methodology used are the same as those outlined on the Monthly Retail Trade Survey information page.
Trend-cycle estimates are included in selected charts as a complement to the seasonally adjusted series. These data represent a smoothed version of the seasonally adjusted time series and provide information on longer-term movements, including changes in direction underlying the series. For information on trend-cycle data, see Trend-cycle estimates – Frequently asked questions.
Both seasonally adjusted data and trend-cycle estimates are subject to revision as additional observations become available. These revisions could be extensive and could even lead to a reversal of movement, especially for the reference months near the end of the series or during periods of economic disruption.
Some common e-commerce transactions, such as travel and accommodation bookings, ticket purchases and financial transactions, are not included in Canadian retail sales figures.
Total retail sales expressed in volume terms are calculated by deflating current-dollar values using consumer price indexes.
Find more statistics on retail trade.
Next release
Data on retail trade for November 2024 will be released on January 23, 2025.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).
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