Canadian retail sales up 1% at $73.7 billion in May: StatCan

Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 1% to $73.7 billion in May as sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors posted the largest increase for the month, boosted by higher prices.

The agency says sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors were up 3.1%, however in volume terms, sales for the group fell 2.7% in May.

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations, fuel vendors, and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were up 0.9% for the month.

General merchandise retailers gained 1% for the category's first increase in three months, while sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers rose 1.8% to also post their first gain in three months.

In volume terms, overall retail sales rose 0.3% for May.

Looking ahead, Statistics Canada says its advance estimate suggests retail sales increased 0.4% in June, though it cautioned the figure will be revised.