Retail sales Canada posted a steady gain in June 2026, with the nation’s merchants recording a 0.6% increase to $74.3 billion, according to the latest figures. Despite this broad-based growth, Alberta registered the most notable decline among provinces, highlighting divergent trends within the region’s economy and across the country.

Core Retail Sales Show Continued Momentum

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline station sales and motor vehicle dealers, advanced by 1.2% in June. This is the second consecutive monthly increase for the core subsector, indicating robust underlying retail demand. Key drivers included a surge in general merchandise sales and significant uplift in clothing and accessories, with the latter category climbing by 3.1% compared to the previous month.

General Merchandise and Motor Vehicle Sales Up

General merchandise retailers played a fundamental role in retail sales growth, reflecting shifting consumer preferences for a broad array of goods. Motor vehicle sales also contributed to the topline figures, with a 1.0% increase in dollar terms, led primarily by new car dealers. The uptick in automotive retail supported overall sector stability, despite certain headwinds faced by other categories.

E-commerce Sales Surge Across Provinces

Ecommerce sales continued to demonstrate sharp momentum, rising 9.9% in June to $5.7 billion. Online retail accounted for 7.7% of total retail trade, underscoring the changing patterns in consumer shopping habits. This increase in ecommerce sales helped buoy nationwide numbers and provided a counterbalance to areas showing weakness, such as traditional food and beverage stores, where a 0.4% drop was recorded.

Regional Disparities in Province Retail Sales

Province retail sales showed considerable variation in June. Ontario led national growth with a 1.6% increase, driven by strong sales in the Toronto area. In contrast, Alberta experienced a 1.3% retail sales decline, the largest provincial drop reported, signaling economic headwinds for local businesses. These variations highlight the importance of regional dynamics in assessing the overall health of retail sales in Canada, as communities in Alberta and beyond respond to evolving market forces.

Gasoline Station Sales and Retail Sales Volume Trends

Gasoline station sales declined 4.1% in value, yet volumes sold increased by 4.2%, suggesting falling prices at the pump or changes in consumer travel patterns. Elsewhere, the report highlighted a 0.8% advance estimate for July retail sales—pointing toward a potential retail sales decline—though analysts note this figure remains preliminary and subject to revision as more detailed data become available.

Sector Resilience and Ongoing Trends

The June report emphasizes the resilience of retail sales Canada, with most subsectors demonstrating adaptability amid shifting economic conditions. Notably, retail sales volume showed that consumer activity remained vibrant, even as certain categories like food and beverage faced slight contractions. The ongoing expansion of general merchandise sales and ecommerce demonstrates a marketplace in transition, responding to both digital innovation and regional shifts in consumer demand.

Looking Ahead

While national numbers signal optimism, Alberta’s retail sector continues to face challenges amid softer economic conditions. Businesses and policymakers across Alberta will be watching future data releases closely as they plan for the remainder of 2026. Meanwhile, national stakeholders are likely to focus attention on the sustained strength in core retail sales and the continued ascent of ecommerce as critical components of retail sales growth across Canada.