Retail sales in Canada surged 18.7 percent over a month earlier in May 2020, rebounding from a record 26.4 percent slump in the previous month but came in slightly worse than the market expectation of 20%.
This reading followed an increase of 19.1% in April.
It was the largest rise in retail trade helped by easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
"Following COVID-19-related store closures in April, a number of provinces moved ahead with plans to re-open their respective economies, which impacted the retail sector in May."
"Based on respondent feedback, approximately 23% of retailers were closed during May."
"Sales were up in 10 out of 11 subsectors in May."
"Retail sales in volume terms were up 17.8% in May, following a record decline of 24.1% in April."
Sales increased mainly at motor vehicle & parts dealers (66.3%); general merchandise stores (20.4%); clothing & clothing accessories stores (92.6%); sporting goods, hobby, book and music (101.2%); and furniture & home furnishings (58.6%).
Also, sales at the gas pump were up 17.1 percent, after dropping a record 35.4 percent in April.
Sales were up in every province in May. Year-year, retail trade declined 18.4 percent.
Statistics Canada also provided a June's retail sales advance estimate of a 24.5% rise.
