Retail sales return to pre-pandemic levels

OTTAWA — Retail sales were up 23.7 percent in June to $53 billion, StatCan reports. After three months of sales below pre-pandemic levels, retail sales in June were 1.3 percent higher than February levels as more regions moved ahead with plans to reopen their economies. Sales were up in all subsectors, with growth primarily led by motor vehicle and parts dealers, as well as clothing and clothing accessories stores. Sales of building materials and garden equipment and supplies rose 13 percent to $3.5 billion.