OTTAWA — Following gains in January and February, retail sales edged down 0.1% in March to $41.1 billion, according to StatCan. Sales were lower at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores. However, these declines were largely offset by gains at gasoline stations and food and beverage stores. Sales were lower at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores. However, these declines were largely offset by gains at gasoline stations and food and beverage stores. General merchandise store sales edged down 0.3% and department stores were down 0.4%. Furniture and home furnishing stores posted a 1.2% increase as home furnishings stores sales (+2.7%) rose for the third consecutive month. The growth in March at home furnishings stores came mainly from sales of items such as housewares, bedding and home decorations.
Retail trade slips in March
Most Recent
Most Read
GMS announces acquisition
Fri, May 17th, 2024
Castle announces 2024/25 Trade Scholarship program
Fri, May 17th, 2024
Retail theft is a growing concern—but so is consumer backlash
Fri, May 17th, 2024
Construction spending up in March
Fri, May 17th, 2024
Walmart reports strong Q1
Thu, May 16th, 2024
Throwback Thursday: Ten years ago, we reported on RONA’s new focus on independents
Thu, May 16th, 2024
Nominations open for 2024 Outstanding Retailer Awards
Thu, May 16th, 2024
Walmart extends use of drones for home delivery
Wed, May 15th, 2024
Cologne trade show company partners to expand in Middle East
Wed, May 15th, 2024
Lafarge pilots recycled-cement production
Wed, May 15th, 2024