Following four consecutive monthly increases, Canadian retail sales decreased 0.5% in December

Declines were widespread as lower sales were reported in 9 of 11 subsectors, representing 82% of retail trade.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms decreased 1.0%.

After three consecutive monthly gains, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were down 0.9%. Lower sales at new car dealers accounted for the decline at the subsector level, more than offsetting gains at all other store types. Following an 11.4% decline in November, sales at automotive parts, accessories and tire stores bounced back in December, rising 18.2%. Sales at other motor vehicles dealers (+5.0%), which include snowmobile dealers, were up for the fifth consecutive month. Used car dealers (+1.6%) also reported higher sales in December.

Food and beverage stores registered a 0.4% decrease in December. Lower sales at beer, wine and liquor stores (-3.6%) more than offset gains in October and November. Higher receipts at supermarkets and other grocery stores (+0.4%) and specialty food stores (+0.8%) were mainly due to higher volumes, as food prices were down in December.