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Canada Retail Sales Plummet 0.5% Amid Economic Slowdown

1/24/2026

45 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Canada retail sales fell 0.5% in December 2025, the steepest decline in three months, with unemployment at 6.8%.
November 1.3% rise was driven by food and beverage retailers, especially liquor sales, which surged 14.3% after labor disruptions ended in British Columbia.
Retail sales volumes rose 1.1% year over year in November.
The Bank of Canada paused rate changes, and household consumption is expected to slow to 1.5% annually in 2026.

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Story summary

Canada retail sales fell 0.5% in December 2025, the steepest decline in three months, with unemployment at 6.8%.
November 1.3% rise was driven by food and beverage retailers, especially liquor sales, which surged 14.3% after labor disruptions ended in British Columbia.
Retail sales volumes rose 1.1% year over year in November.
The Bank of Canada paused rate changes, and household consumption is expected to slow to 1.5% annually in 2026.