Retail sales in Canada are estimated to have increased 0.6% month-over-month in March 2026, according to a preliminary estimate. If confirmed, it would mark a third consecutive month of gains in retail sales. In February, retail sales were up 0.7%, below an initial estimate of a 0.9% rise, with sales up in seven of nine subsectors. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers increased 1%, led by sales at new car dealers (+0.7%), followed by used car dealers (+4.0%). Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors were unchanged in February. Meanwhile, core retail sales rose 0.6%, posting their second consecutive increase. The gain was led by higher sales at general merchandise retailers (+1.2%) and food and beverage retailers (+0.9%). Higher sales were also recorded at clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (+1.1%). The largest decrease came from building material and garden equipment (-0.6%).