Retail Trade, sales by industries based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), monthly.

This statistic illustrates total retail sales in Canada in 2017, broken down by province. In 2017, retail sales in the province of Ontario amounted to approximately 216.32 billion Canadian dollars. In second place came Quebec with around 125.72 billion Canadian dollars worth of retail sales in 2017.

Supermarkets and grocery stores have endured a transformative journey since 2019, shaped by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an ever-changing market landscape. Grocers first encountered unprecedented demand as lockdowns redirected consumers' spending from entertainment to at-home essentials. Sales spiked, but the boom was fleeting; by 2021, factors like declining disposable income and soaring food prices reversed the trend. Even post-pandemic, the industry is evolving—more consumers than ever are embracing online grocery shopping, prompting traditional retailers to bolster their digital presence. Those unable or unwilling to adapt were largely forced out, while the largest supermarket chains maintained dominance through aggressive merger and acquisition activity and by leveraging vertically integrated operations. This momentous period caused heightened revenue volatility that still persists. Revenue has been rising at a CAGR of 0.1% over the past five years and is expected to dip 0.9% in 2024 when revenue will reach $111.9 billion. Amid this transformation, significant profit disparities worsened in an incredibly concentrated industry. Geopolitical instabilities like the war in Ukraine intensified supply chain disruptions, impacting costs for retailers. Rising energy prices compound this issue, squeezing profit as transportation expenses mount. Meanwhile, climate change injects further unpredictability into production costs, forcing grocers to manage these pressures by cautiously adjusting consumer prices. A class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. underscores market concentration challenges, spotlighting potential anti-competitive behaviours and their implications. This legal scrutiny, combined with governmental pressure for price transparency, could foster a more equitable marketplace. Should dominant players like Loblaw adjust their pricing strategies, it may level the playing field for smaller competitors, expanding competition and consumer choice. Over the next five years, a stable economic backdrop will support modest revenue growth for supermarkets. As disposable incomes stabilize, a return to preferred brands could uplift grocers' revenue. A more tempered rise in food prices will allow for strategic pricing decisions, providing grocers with a favourable environment for maintaining consumer loyalty. Technological advancements will be pivotal, with retailers expected to deepen investments in e-commerce and in-store technologies like AI-powered inventory management. This investment will be crucial as online grocery shopping and big-box retailers thrive. Governmental regulatory efforts may also reshape industry dynamics, offering smaller grocers a greater chance to compete by enhancing pricing equity. Continued inventory diversification reflecting health-conscious consumer preferences will likely continue, driven by rising interest in plant-based and ethical products. Retailers that navigate these shifts adeptly, leveraging both technology and emerging consumer trends, are poised to gain a competitive edge. Revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching $122.0 billion in 2029.

The annual Retail store data CD-ROM is an easy-to-use tool for quickly discovering retail trade patterns and trends. The current product presents results from the 1999 and 2000 Annual Retail Store and Annual Retail Chain surveys. This product contains numerous cross-classified data tables using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The data tables provide access to a wide range of financial variables, such as revenues, expenses, inventory, sales per square footage (chain stores only) and the number of stores. Most data tables contain detailed information on industry (as low as 5-digit NAICS codes), geography (Canada, provinces and territories) and store type (chains, independents, franchises). The electronic product also contains survey metadata, questionnaires, information on industry codes and definitions, and the list of retail chain store respondents.

Consumer electronics stores have exhibited mixed performance in recent years. Electronics retailers offer a broad spectrum of goods, including TVs, computers, tablets, refrigerators, washing machines and blenders. Stores have struggled because of strong competition from mass merchandisers, including discount retailers and department stores and the continued rise of e-commerce outlets. The large shift in consumer spending from services to goods during the pandemic unexpectedly boosted revenue in 2020 as demand for consumer electronics rose. However, this wasn't enough to offset the overall slump in revenue caused by strong external competition and unfavourable macroeconomic conditions. Revenue for consumer electronics stores is expected to dip at a CAGR of 1.2% to $15.6 billion through the end of 2024, despite a forecast increase of 0.1% that year alone. Consumer electronics stores have endured a steady decline over the past decade, as many stores have struggled to attract customers since the growing prominence of online retailers and mass merchandisers. These competitors offer very competitive prices and sometimes have a wider variety of goods. Large stores, like Best Buy, have begun restructuring their businesses by closing unprofitable stores, shifting their focus to maintaining smaller stores and entering a strategic partnership with The Source, another major consumer electronics store. Many electronics stores have also begun emphasizing customer service by offering more interactive shopping experiences. Increased external competition and changing consumer preferences have contributed to a decline in profit in recent years. Moving forward, revenue for consumer electronics stores is forecast to recover modestly as stores benefit from their investments in online platforms. Stores like Best Buy will be poised to compete with the likes of Amazon and Walmart to win online business. Still, revenue is expected to remain far below its 2007 peak. Economic growth will intensify competition among retailers to secure a sizeable consumer electronics market share. The price-based competition will intensify, which will further diminish profitability. Revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 1.6% to $16.9 billion through the end of 2029.

The Dollar and Variety Store industry in Canada has been resilient and adaptable in the face of economic shifts and inflationary pressures. Industry revenue has risen over the past five years at a CAGR of 2.8%. With an anticipated growth of 1.0% this year, it will reach $8.3 billion in 2025. These stores have evolved beyond their basic, impulse-buy roots, gaining traction with middle-income consumers by diversifying product lines and enhancing customer experiences. With over 85% of Canadians living within 10 kilometres of a Dollarama, according to the company’s estimates, their accessibility and broadened offerings have made them essential in the retail landscape. Despite tight and fluctuating profit driven by volatile input costs, the temperance of inflation promises more predictability, setting the stage for future growth. Over the past five years, these stores have skillfully leveraged economic volatility to their advantage. The spike in 2020 revenue by 11.8% highlights their ability to capture budget-conscious shoppers during the pandemic downturn. They’ve navigated through shifts in per capita disposable income and spikes in the consumer price index by emphasizing their affordable essentials. Dollar stores’ adaptability and emphasis on in-store innovations, like strategic product placements and optimized queue lines, have kept them afloat against external competition. By revamping aesthetics and introducing national brands, dollar stores have shattered negative stereotypes and set new standards for chic, budget-friendly shopping. The next five years hold promising potential, tempered with challenges. Revenue is projected to climb at a CAGR of 1.1%, hitting $8.8 billion in 2030. Major chains like Dollarama and Dollar Tree are expected to drive this growth through aggressive expansion and tech investments. These strategies will ensure they remain competitive amid increased pressure from major retailers like Amazon and Temu. As consumers continue tightening their wallets with an expected 0.7% annual decline in disposable income, dollar stores are poised to capture this bargain-hunting demographic. By embracing advancements in AI and inventory management, they aim to enhance shopping experiences and extend their market reach. With anticipated interest rate cuts potentially lowering operational costs, these stores are set to consolidate their position in Canada’s evolving retail scene.

Sporting goods stores have withstood challenges from intense competition, while sales of bicycles, camping equipment, exercise and fitness equipment, apparel and footwear have climbed. The industry withstood the pandemic, rebounding because of strong per capita disposable income growth and renewed interest in pursuing athletic hobbies. Nonetheless, the industry has navigated a challenging retail environment, as stores contend with heightened competition from discount department stores and e-commerce sites, which can offer consumers lower prices and a wider variety of goods. The popularity of online shopping has exploded, reshaping the wider retail sector. Revenue for sporting goods stores is expected to climb at a CAGR of 1.3% to $12.3 billion through the end of 2025, including growth of 0.7% in 2025 alone. The retail environment has become cluttered, while growing competition has created difficult operating conditions for brick-and-mortar sporting goods stores. Viral ad campaigns on Instagram and TikTok have created influencers and new brands that sell products directly to customers. In 2025, 59.0% of Americans will prefer shopping online to in-store shopping. Some sporting goods stores have closed underperforming locations to focus on more profitable locations. Retailers have also focused on expanding their selection of in-demand products like athleisure wear and designer sneakers. Even as stores have maintained their niche among equipment-intensive sports because consumers prefer to see products in person, the popularity of specialized goods stores has been overshadowed by the hike in competitive pressures. Unsurprisingly, profitability across the industry has diminished. Sporting goods stores will exhibit moderate growth as the economy improves and consumers increasingly emphasize maintaining their physical health at all ages. Consumer confidence is expected to expand with an uptick in retail sales. Retail stores will continue to turn to luxury and specialized athletic apparel and equipment alongside a boost in health consciousness, especially for high-income consumers with higher disposable income to burn. Retailers will continue to spend lavishly on ad campaigns to attract buyers, as the worldwide advertising expenditure for retailers topped $150.0 billion in 2024. Department stores and online retailers will remain a constant threat and prevent retail stores from better capitalizing on sports spending. Revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 0.6% to $12.6 billion through the end of 2030.

The organic, gourmet or all-natural products of the Specialty Food Stores industry in Canada have flown off shelves as consumers have reached for differentiated goods that aren't sold at standard retail and grocery outlets. These products sell at premium prices and the combination of increasingly health-conscious consumers and disposable income growth has allowed retailers to charge higher prices. Consumer demand for organic and other specialty foods has driven a broad rise in revenue for specialty food retailers. Industry revenue expanded at an estimated 3.6% CAGR over the five years to 2025 to reach $7.0 billion, including a modest 0.3% boost during this year. While favourable shifts in consumer preferences have helped boost industry revenue, rising external competition has also constrained the performance of specialty food stores. Retailers have endured high competition from the specialty food aisles of mainstream supermarkets and grocery stores, in addition to unconventional retail channels, like online food retailers and convenience stores. Traditional grocery stores account for most of the Canadian retail food market and there's little room for other food retailers. Whole Foods is perhaps the most prominent example of this sharp rise in competition from supermarket chains; the major natural food chain currently has 14 Canadian locations and is expanding, threatening the market position of small stores. The industry will face greater competition from natural food stores and regular supermarkets moving forward, as both retail segments focus on offering the same products sold at specialty stores. Since larger stores are generally able to sell products at lower prices than specialty retailers, stores will be forced to lower prices and focus on niche markets. Nonetheless, specialty retailers differentiate themselves on their ability to provide a tailored experience and stock items that have low throughput. The industry will ultimately benefit from the expanding economy, with rising disposable income and consumer spending driving spending on more expensive goods. Industry revenue is forecast to increase at a slower CAGR of 0.3% over the next five years to reach $7.1 billion in 2029.

Hobby and toy stores sell a variety of discretionary goods, making the health of the economy vital to sales, along with the amount of free time consumers have on hand. Over the past five years, hobby and toy stores benefited from a climb in disposable income, resulting in greater consumer spending on discretionary goods. While the pandemic introduced great uncertainty, many consumers had heaps of free time and restless children stuck inside. Because of this, sales boomed, especially for shops with prominent e-commerce platforms. Revenue for hobby and toy stores is expected to climb at a CAGR of 1.2% to $6.8 billion through the end of 2024, including growth of 2.5% in 2024 alone. Despite growing sales, many hobby and toy stores have endured dwindling returns. Competition from discount retailers and big-box stores increased, placing greater pressure on shop owners. Such sources of competition often offer lower-than-average prices, resulting in many hobby and toy stores reducing prices to retain customers while hurting returns. Concurrently, the pandemic increased operational costs for many, eating away at profit. In fact, profit is expected to account for just 2.6% of revenue in 2024. Still, consumers have become more nostalgic, boosting sales of vintage and collector items, like Pokemon cards and vintage video games. Shows like Stranger Things have contributed to the trend by showcasing vintage styles and items. Stores will focus on satisfying this trend as long as it continues, fuelling long-term growth. Moving forward, sales are forecast to expand as consumers find themselves with more free time and greater means. Consumer spending will strengthen as the economy stabilizes, prompting innovations in toys and video games which will pique many consumers' interests. Many consumers picked up new hobbies in recent years, which will keep arts and crafts and hobby supply sales robust. Still, competition from other retailers will only persist, increasing pricing pressures and forcing some out of the game. Revenue for hobby and toy stores is expected to swell at a CAGR of 2.1% to $7.5 billion through the end of 2029.

Canadian Warehouse Clubs and Supercentres comprise stores that retail discount groceries and other basic goods, like appliances. These stores achieve cost savings by leveraging economies of scale, offering products in bulk or charging membership fees. The industry is less susceptible to economic volatility in response to the low-cost, high-value products offered by warehouse clubs and supercentres. However, businesses and consumers will spend more at these outlets when they have deeper pockets. The pandemic offered an additional opportunity as consumers flocked to warehouse clubs and supercentres, which encountered relatively little disruption because they were considered essential businesses. Revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 2.6% to $70.1 billion through the end of 2025, with an expected swell of 2.5% in 2025 alone. Volatile movements in the world price of crude oil have hampered gains despite overall revenue growth. Like Costco, many warehouse clubs and supercentres retail fuel at industry-relevant gas stations. As the price of crude oil grew, warehouse clubs and supercentres were forced to boost gasoline prices, discouraging consumers from driving as much. In addition, the gain in oil prices has hurt profitability, which is heavily affected by transportation costs and inventory costs. Since warehouse clubs and supercentres buy in bulk and source many of their goods from overseas manufacturers, they incur high transportation costs. Warehouse clubs and supercentres will continue expanding as consumer spending and the total population expand, providing additional sales of bulk purchases. However, the increasingly saturated market will promote stiff competition from online retailers. Online competition will pose the greatest threat to the industry as retailers like Amazon expand their consumer bases because of their convenience and ability to offer low prices. Warehouse clubs and supercenters will continue to invest in online shopping initiatives and technology to improve the consumer experience. Overall, revenue for warehouse clubs and supercentres is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.3% to $79.1 billion through the end of 2030.

The Family Clothing Stores industry in Canada has shown signs of robust performance. The industry, a cornerstone for Canadian families seeking diversity and affordability, has navigated challenges brought on by external factors, including economic fluctuations and changing consumer demands. Despite these hurdles, the industry has demonstrated resilience, driven by a growing appetite for convenience and one-stop shopping. With an increasing focus on e-commerce, many family clothing retailers are strategically expanding their online presence, which has become a critical component for sustained growth. Family clothing stores' revenue has hiked at a CAGR of 2.0% over the past five years and is expected to total $22.5 billion in 2025, when revenue will hike by an estimated 0.5%. Retailers have experienced a mixed bag of performance shaped by various external pressures. Initially, the industry faced declines because of economic downturns and heightened competition from global retailers. However, mid-way through the five-year period, there was a noticeable shift as Canadian retailers began adopting advanced technology and better data analytics to understand consumer behaviour. This period also saw a significant push towards sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, aligning with consumer preferences. As a result, many local retailers managed to carve out a niche, gaining consumer trust and loyalty and subsequently stabilizing sales figures. As the Canadian economy continues to recover, disposable incomes are expected to rise, further boosting sector performance. However, the upcoming removal of most retaliatory tariffs on US goods, effective September 1, 2025, will intensify competition for family clothing stores in Canada. This change will lower import costs and enable international retailers to offer trend-driven fashion at more accessible price points. Small retailers may feel pressure on profit and need to differentiate through unique assortments, customer loyalty initiatives and by highlighting Canadian-made apparel. Simultaneously, technologies like AI-driven personalization, augmented reality fitting rooms and seamless omnichannel platforms are becoming industry standards, necessitating that retailers invest in digital innovation to remain competitive. Over the next five years, revenue will inflate at a CAGR of 3.5% to reach an estimated $26.7 billion in 2030.

Despite macroeconomic growth in recent years, revenue for Canadian department stores has declined in response to heightened external competition from supercentres and e-commerce sites. Department stores sell a wide range of general merchandise, including apparel, cosmetics, home furnishings, appliances and toys. Supercentres offer similar merchandise, along with groceries. Consumers increasingly opt to shop at supercentres and other mass retailers because of the convenience of a one-stop shop for groceries, clothing and other merchandise. Revenue for department stores is expected to slide at a CAGR of 1.8% to $28.7 billion through the end of 2025, despite a jump of 0.9% in 2025 alone. Traditional brick-and-mortar department stores incur higher operational costs than online stores because they pay for high-traffic retail space and require many workers. Online competitors increasingly undercut department store prices since they save on operational costs. While department stores also have an online presence, the operational costs of these stores are much higher than those of their competitors that don't have physical stores. Still, the name recognition of department stores gives them a competitive advantage. Many consumers are more likely to visit a trusted brand to do their online shopping than a relatively unknown competitor. As department stores have invested in bulking up their online operations, profitability has slumped. Supercentres, including Walmart, have also invested significantly in their e-commerce capabilities, enhancing competition. These retailers operate on a much larger scale than department stores, giving them the resources to invest in the latest technology and offer the lowest prices. The popularity of online shopping has widened the divide between these massive retailers and the rest of the competition. Moving forward, revenue will improve as recent technological investments bear fruit and consumption rates continue to climb. E-commerce will continue to gain popularity as convenience becomes a more important decision factor. Department stores will be better positioned to capitalize on this growth. Also, total retail spending and consumer spending will climb, providing consumers with more discretionary income for compulsory purchases at department stores. Department stores will continue to lower operating costs to better compete with online sellers and mass retailers in the coming years, helping boost profit slightly. Revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 0.8% to $29.9 billion through the end of 2030.

The Canadian women knitwear market rose slightly to $1.1B in 2024, increasing by 2.9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

Canadian pharmacies and drug stores have been experiencing moderate volatility. Drug stores have benefitted from growing health-related expenditures, with prescription medications remaining popular among consumers. Although increasing pharmaceutical prices have bolstered revenue, many provincial drug programs restricted prescription prices to cut healthcare costs, requiring generic drugs to be marked down by a percentage of the patented drug equivalent, which limits revenue growth and prevents larger profit gains. Pharmacies have endured some losses as high inflation discourages discretionary spending, particularly in the beauty and personal care segment. Still, the essential nature of the industry and the consistent need for health products have supported revenue gains. These trends are set to cause revenue to grow at an estimated CAGR of 0.5% to $88.6 billion through the end of 2025, including a 1.9% gain that year alone. As more and more Canadians continue to rely on prescription drugs, foot traffic at pharmacies and drug stores will remain high. British Columbia's reference-based pricing model, which includes generic substitution reimbursement rates within particular product categories, has constrained pharmacies' ability to markup prescription prices for individuals with public health insurance. Pharmacies have also contended with the loss of many brand-name drug patents, markets flooded with low-cost alternatives and significant supply chain disruptions impacting product availability, slowing revenue gains. Despite more prescriptions entering the generic space, new brand-name drugs have been pushing prescription spending upward. Many pharmacies have also begun to offer primary care services, allowing the industry to support Canada’s health system and drive more traffic to stores. These programs, which vary across provinces and have yet to be implemented nationally, create growth opportunities for drug stores. Revenue growth will continue amid growing healthcare spending and an expanding Canadian population. As research and development expenditures continue to rise, more pharmaceuticals will likely come through manufacturers’ drug pipelines, benefitting pharmacies and drug stores. Similarly, improving macroeconomic conditions, including weaker inflation and rising disposable income, and improving supply chain conditions will support growth moving forward. Similarly, pharmacies offering more preventative care are set to contribute to revenue gains. Medications are nondiscretionary, so consumers will continue to buy these products despite price fluctuations. Revenue will grow at an estimated CAGR of 1.9% to $97.4 billion through the end of 2030.

The Canadian Promotional Products industry has been navigating a landscape marked by both challenges and opportunities in recent years. The industry generates revenue by distributing specialty advertising on everyday items like mugs, calendars and T-shirts. Industry enterprises do not manufacture these products, but rather imprint and distribute a client's advertising message on blank products that are purchased from manufacturers and industry suppliers worldwide. Like many sectors, the industry faced a tough operating environment due to economic volatility and the impacts of the pandemic, which saw corporate profit dip and advertising expenditures shrink. Yet, despite the setbacks, the number of businesses has grown since 2019, which has provided a buffer to revenue declines. The industry's resilience was also bolstered by its ability to tap into new markets and expand its customer base. Industry revenue is forecast to inch forward an annualized 1.3% to $2.7 billion in 2024. In 2024 alone, industry revenue is expected to incline 1.0% due to growth in consumer spending and an associated influx of retail sales. Rising external competition has tempered industry growth, primarily from digital outlets. Online cataloguing and processing have made it easier for clients to go directly to manufacturers, bypassing promotional product companies altogether. The climb in total advertising expenditure in Canada has improved the demand for promotional products, which offer an efficient and accessible way of marketing to businesses of all sizes. The pandemic caused a plummet in industry revenue in 2020, depleting corporate profit, retail sales and consumer spending and ultimately tempering overall growth. As with many traditional industries, digital advertising's rising popularity has presented formidable competition, siphoning off demand and compelling industry players to adapt and innovate. Canada's Promotional Products industry is poised to endure strong external competition. Companies are slated to continue spending more on substitute forms of advertising. Companies may favour promotional products because they offer the advantage of repeated, tangible exposure and potential brand-name recognition. A rise in corporate profit and total advertising expenditure will boost industry demand. Industry revenue is expected to expand an annualized 1.6% to $2.9 billion in 2029 as profit reaches 9.6%.

The Canadian tea market reduced to $52M in 2024, waning by -10.1% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption showed a mild setback. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $78M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The Canadian christmas decoration market rose modestly to $251M in 2024, surging by 4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years.

Quebec had the highest total spending among adults on recreational cannabis in 2018, amounting to around **** million U.S. dollars. However, Ontarians were forecast to have the highest expenditure on legal recreational cannabis by 2024 - adults in Ontario were projected to spend around **** billion U.S. dollars on the drug in 2024.

Used goods stores sell clothing, antiques and collectibles, books, baby equipment, electronics, furniture, housewares, garden equipment, sporting goods, tools, toys and musical instruments. The industry is best divided into for-profit and nonprofit entities. Nonprofit entities have mostly charitable aims and serve low-income communities, while for-profit stores tend to provide high-quality used items at more attractive prices than department stores. Sales have been boosted by the growing trend of thrifting alongside inflationary pressure, making used items more appealing. Overall, revenue for used goods stores is expected to climb at a CAGR of 1.4% to $2.7 billion through the end of 2024, including growth of 0.8% in 2024 alone. Revenue has historically followed countercyclical patterns, rising during periods of poor macroeconomic performance and declining during periods of economic growth. However, the pandemic presented a unique environment with social distancing regulations and temporary store shutdowns, causing a temporary decrease in revenue and profit despite the poor economic conditions. As restrictions were lifted and consumer spending increased, industry revenue rebounded between 2022 and 2024. Stores have also increasingly invested in online platforms to facilitate online shopping, which has provided growth opportunities. In the coming years, economic improvements are expected to constrain revenue growth as consumers switch back to purchasing a higher proportion of new items. However, industry profit is expected to creep upward as more for-profit stores enter the industry. Used goods stores will have to contend with a more crowded retail landscape, particularly with the rising popularity of online shopping. Stores that can establish a sizeable online presence will be positioned to compete effectively in the coming years. Increased competition from discount stores offering new household goods at lowered prices is expected to slow industry growth. Still, used goods stores will remain popular among consumers and shoppers will not abandon used products entirely because of economic growth. Ultimately, revenue is expected to expand at a CAGR of 0.9% to $2.8 billion through the end of 2029.

The Canadian desktop computer market contracted modestly to $296M in 2024, reducing by -3.9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption continues to indicate a slight slump. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $581M. From 2014 to 2024, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.