Canadian retail sales were down by just over one-quarter (-26.4 per cent) in April to $34.7 billion and have fallen by one-third (-33.6 per cent) since physical distancing measures were implemented in mid-March, says a new report released Friday by Statistics Canada.
Motor vehicle and parts dealers took the largest hit in April, while online sales surged to a record high, representing 9.5 per cent of the total retail market, said the federal agency.
“While essential retailers such as supermarkets and other grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, gasoline stations and beer, wine and liquor stores remained open with reduced hours, most Canadian retailers did not offer in-store shopping in April. Nevertheless, many retailers started or expanded their online presence and curbside pick-up services in response to the closures,” it said.
“Based on respondent feedback, approximately one-third of retailers were closed during April. The average length of shutdown was eight business days. In the clothing and clothing accessories stores subsector, 70.1 per cent of retailers were closed in April for an average of 20 days.”
In Alberta, retail sales plunged by 18.4 per cent to $4.8 billion. Year-over-year, sales were down 30.5 per cent.
“The COVID-19 pandemic led many Canadian retailers to start or expand their e-commerce platforms in April in response to physical distancing measures and brick and mortar store closures,” said StatsCan.
“On an unadjusted basis (that is, not seasonally adjusted) retail e-commerce sales accounted for a record high of 9.5 per cent ($3.4 billion) of total retail trade in April. On a year-over-year basis, retail e-commerce more than doubled (+120.3 per cent), while total unadjusted retail sales were down by close to one-third (-30.5 per cent).”
