Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Canadian Retail Sales Reported Declines Across all Subsectors Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Recent data compiled by Statistics Canada provides a more detailed extent of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In April, Canadian retail sales fell by 26.4% to a total of $34.7 billion. According to respondent feedback, a total of one third of retailers closed their stores in April to coincide with social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders. In the clothing and accessories sector alone, a total of 70.1% of retailers had closed their stores for an average of 20 days.

For the first time in 27 years, all sub-sectors of retail sales reported some form of decline. Although the motor vehicle sector was deemed an essential service during the pandemic, sales were down 44.3% in April, with lack of consumer demand as the contributing factor. Fuel sales fell by approximately 32.2%, which is the largest decrease in record. Simultaneously, the volume of gasoline sold dropped by 18.9% in response to low consumer demand in wake of decreased travel and heightened stay-at-home orders.

Non-essential retail categories saw the sharpest decline in sales, as many Canadians opted out of excessive consumerism during the pandemic. clothing and clothing accessories reported a decline of 84.8% between February and April, followed by declines of 66.7% in the hobby, book and music sector.

Despite declines across many retail sectors, e-commerce sales saw a significant uptake. As many Canadians opted to stay home during the pandemic, retail stores that shifted their sales to online platforms saw an increase of 120.3% on a year-over-year basis. retail e-commerce sales in Canada reported a record high 9.5% of all total retail trade for the month of April.

Information for this briefing was found via Statistics Canada. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

When 4% of Global Copper Disappears Overnight | David Gower – Emerita Resources

Mining M&A: Gold X2 Acquires Kesselrun Resources

They Said Oil Was Dead. They Were Wrong. | Michael Judson – Record Resources

Recommended

Steadright Enters MOU To Acquire Historic Goundafa Polymetallic Mine In Morocco

Military Seizes Power in Madagascar After President Flees

Related News

After BC, Federal Government to Go After Short-Term Rentals

Inspired by new legislation in British Columbia, the federal government is taking action to address...

Thursday, October 19, 2023, 12:07:00 PM

Canadian Factory Prices Continue to Surge in April

Prices of goods produced in Canada, as well as prices for the raw materials needed...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 11:51:00 AM

Canadian Factory Prices Jump By Most Since 1980

Industrial prices across Canada are accelerating at the fastest pace in over 40 years amid...

Sunday, May 16, 2021, 11:35:00 AM

Trudeau Plans to Ease Pressure on Immigration … By Increasing Immigration

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning to increase immigration in Canada to ease the pressure...

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 07:33:00 AM

Canada’s Liberals Finish Just 60 Votes Away From Majority After Recounts

Canada’s ruling Liberal Party fell three seats short of a parliamentary majority after election recounts...

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 01:37:00 PM