Retail sales reached $70.7 billion in October, an increase of 4.5% compared with the same month one year earlier. Higher sales were reported in 14 of the 18 commodity classes.
The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales in November increased by 1.9%. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised.
The largest gain in dollar terms came from motor vehicle sales, which posted a year-over-year increase of 10.9% in October. Growth in this commodity class was driven by higher sales of new motor vehicles (+13.5%), as sales of new minivans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks (+14.0%) and new passenger automobiles (+9.1%) posted gains. Used motor vehicles posted higher sales in October, increasing 7.1% from the same month in 2023.
Following a decline in September 2024, year-over-year sales of food and beverages increased 5.0% in October. Sales of fresh meat and poultry (+9.8%) led the increase in this commodity class, followed by eggs and dairy products (+8.8%).
The largest decline in dollar terms in October came from sales of automotive and household fuels (-4.7%). With year-over-year gasoline prices falling 4.0% in October, sales of automotive fuels posted a decline of 5.5% compared with the same month in the previous year.
Note to readers
The Retail Commodity Survey collects national-level retail sales data, by commodity, from the same businesses surveyed in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey. No data have been seasonally adjusted. All percentage changes are year over year.
New classification standard
As of the January 2023 reference period, Retail Commodity Survey figures are based on the 2022 North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) and the North American Industry Classification System structures. These new classification structures have introduced new commodities, updated commodity definitions and broadened the industry scope for the estimates of the Retail Commodity Survey.
Tables 20-10-0016 and 20-10-0017 have been archived. National monthly commodity estimates in NAPCS 2022 are now available in table 20-10-0080 starting with January 2023. National industry-based quarterly commodity estimates are available in table 20-10-0071 starting in the first quarter of 2023.
Find more statistics on retail trade.
Reference
Data tables: 20-10-0071-01 and 20-10-0080-01.
- Note: some data tables may best be viewed on desktop.
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2008.
Previous release: Retail Commodity Survey, September 2024.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).