Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials HomeNewsEconomyRetail & MarketingCanadian consumer spending rises for fourth straight monthRetail sales grew despite inflation, U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions looming over the economyLast updated 1 hour ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Advanced estimates suggest retail sales increased by 0.6 per cent in April, which would mark the first time retail sales rose for four consecutive months since 2022. Photo by PEXELSCanadian retail sales rose by 0.9 per cent in March even though higher inflation, United States tariffs and geopolitical tensions are affecting the economy.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorRetail sales were also up 2.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, the seventh consecutive quarterly increase, Statistics Canada said on Friday.Advanced estimates suggest retail sales increased by 0.6 per cent in April, which would mark the first time retail sales rose for four consecutive months since 2022.Consumer spending edged up in March across most sectors, with the largest gains being at gas stations and fuel vendors, which rose by 12.4 per cent. This coincided with higher gas prices due to the oil price shock resulting from the war on Iran, Statistics Canada said.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againMotor vehicle and car part sales decreased for the first time after two consecutive monthly increases, with lower sales at used car dealers leading the decline. Automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers were the only industry within this subsector to post an increase.Core retail sales in March, which exclude gasoline and car deals, were down 0.1 per cent after two consecutive monthly gains. Lower sales in building materials, garden equipment, and supply dealers led to this decline. General merchandise retailers also had lower sales and fell for the first time in three months.In volume terms, retail sales decreased by 0.7 per cent in March and increased by 1.2 per cent in the first quarter.Economic growth remained slow in Canada as U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement continue to challenge some industries. But the Canadian economy likely dodged a recession, with preliminary figures suggesting real gross domestic product grew 0.4 per cent in the first quarter.ptran@postmedia.com Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.