Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 2.5 percent to $69.6 billion in December, boosted by gains at food and beverage retailers and motor vehicle and parts dealers.
However, it says its advance estimate for January suggests retail sales fell 0.4 percent in the first month of 2025.
The agency says December sales were up in all nine of the subsectors it tracks as sales at food and beverage retailers rose 3.5 percent for the month.
The increase came as sales at supermarkets and other grocery retailers, except convenience retailers, gained 3.9 percent, while beer, wine and liquor retailers rose 3.9 percent and specialty food stores added 2.4 percent.
Meanwhile, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers gained 1.9 percent in December, boosted by a 2.0 percent gain at new car dealers….