Statistics Canada says retail sales up overall, grocery sales down in June

Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 4.2% to $56.2 billion in June as public health restrictions were eased in many parts of the country.

However, the agency says its preliminary estimate for July, which will be revised, suggests retail sales fell 1.7% last month.

For June, retail sales increased in eight of the 11 subsectors as clothing and clothing accessories stores led the way with a gain of 49.1% following two months of declines.

Sales at general merchandise stores rose 7.4%, while motor vehicle and parts dealers gained 2.7%.

Sales at food and beverage stores fell 2.6% as sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores dropped 3.5%. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers fell 3.1%.

Retail sales in volume terms rose 4.1% in June.