Statistics Canada says retail sales down 0.6 per cent in January at $69.4B

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OTTAWA — Retail sales fell 0.6 per cent to $69.4 billion in January as sales in the auto sector moved lower, Statistics Canada said. 

“Consumers tightened their belts to start the year with retail sales retreating more than expected in January after a strong showing in December,” said TD economist Maria Solovieva in a note. 

Part of the decline is likely due to the price-drop effect of the federal government’s tax holiday, she said. 

Statistics Canada said sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers dropped 2.6 per cent for the month as sales at new car dealers fell 3.2 per cent and automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers saw a 2.8 per cent decline. Used car dealers reported sales rose 1.6 per cent. 

Core retail sales — which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers — fell 0.2 per cent in January. 

Statistics Canada said that decline was led by lower sales at food and beverage retailers, especially supermarkets and grocery stores. Alcohol retailers also contributed to the decline. 

CIBC economist Katherine Judge said in a note the weakness to start the year isn’t cause for concern, but rather a sign of normalization. 

However, uncertainty over tariffs may make consumers more cautious in the coming months, which will slow spending. 

“Consumers remain cautious and may restrain spending further until there is more clarity on the outlook for jobs, incomes and prices,” Solovieva said. 

TD is pencilling in 2.7 per cent annualized growth in consumer spending for the first quarter, and potentially a contraction in the following quarters, she said. 

Solovieva said TD’s internal credit and debit card statistics point to a slight softening in spending through the first quarter. 

“While there may be some stockpiling ahead of tariffs in March any boost would likely be short-lived,” she said. 

In volume terms, overall retail sales fell 1.1 per cent in January. 

Looking ahead, Statistics Canada said its preliminary estimate for February points to a decrease in retail sales of 0.4 per cent, though it cautioned the figure would be revised.