Retail Sales Dip in February, but Core Strength Shows Resilience
- Clearview Insider
- May 13
- 1 min read
According to Statistics Canada, national retail sales fell 0.4 per cent to $69.3 billion in February, driven mainly by a 2.6 per cent decline in sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. New car dealers, in particular, saw a three per cent drop.
Despite the headline decline, core retail sales — excluding gasoline and motor vehicle and parts dealers — rose 0.5 per cent. Gains were led by a 2.8 per cent increase at food and beverage retailers, with supermarkets posting a 3.7 per cent rise and wine and liquor stores up 2.3 per cent. General merchandise retailers also saw a 1.2 per cent uptick, although furniture, electronics and home goods retailers faced a 2.9 per cent drop.
Looking ahead, Statistics Canada's early estimate suggests retail sales may have rebounded modestly in March.
In the context of Calgary's retail real estate market, these national figures point to continued resilience in essential goods sectors, a trend that could support demand for grocery-anchored retail centres and stable neighbourhood commercial assets.
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