Retail sales rose 1.2% in August, led by autos
Published by BriefDash · · Toronto
Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 1.2% to $74.6 billion in August 2026, with all nine subsectors advancing; motor vehicle and parts dealers led the gain. Sales increased 2.2% in Ontario and 4.0% in the Toronto census metropolitan area. The agency’s preliminary estimate points to a 0.7% September rise, but it is unofficial, based on a 58.5% response rate and subject to revision.
Why it matters
The release offers a current snapshot of consumer spending while flagging the uncertainty around the early September estimate.
Source dated October 23, 2026 · Statistics Canada ↗
Adapted from Statistics Canada, Retail trade, August 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Independent factual brief. Original BriefDash illustration. Automated preparation and publication; editorial policy ↗
Suggest a correction ↗