Blogs

Canada’s Retail Sales Slump Hits Toronto Hardest

Nov 23, 2025 | Community News

November 23, 2025

Canadian retail spending took a step back in September, with new data showing a noticeable slowdown across the country — and Toronto feeling the impact more than most.

According to Statistics Canada, retail sales dropped 0.7% to $69.8 billion, largely driven by a sharp decline in auto and parts sales. Dealerships were hit hardest, with new car sales falling 3.6% after a strong August.

Toronto and Ontario Lead the Dip

Ontario posted the biggest provincial decline, down 1.2%, while retail sales in the Toronto area fell 2.3%, showing how closely the city’s economy is tied to the auto market.

B.C. also struggled, with a 0.9% drop linked to weaker spending on building materials and garden supplies.

Some Bright Spots

Not all sectors were down. Gas stations and fuel providers saw sales rise 1.9%, marking their first increase in three months — though actual fuel volumes sold dipped slightly.

Nova Scotia stood out as one of the only provinces to post growth, helped by stronger auto sales.

October Outlook

Early estimates for October suggest retail sales have stabilized, with spending expected to remain mostly flat. However, these numbers are preliminary and could change as more data becomes available.

Bottom Line

While Canada’s retail market cooled in September, Toronto took a bigger hit than most, driven by slowing vehicle sales. With October showing signs of leveling out, the coming months will be key to seeing whether this is a short dip or a longer trend.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

Once It’s Gone, It’s Gone: Toronto Latinos Launches Monthly Merch Drops

Toronto Latinos is officially leveling up the merch game. Starting January, we’re launching monthly limited-edition drops—no restocks, no reruns, no “we’ll bring it back later.” Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Period. This isn’t just merch. It’s culture, statements, and...

Skip the Snow: Why Latin America Is the Ultimate Christmas Getaway

If you’re dreaming of trading snow and heavy coats for sunshine and street celebrations, Christmas in Latin America offers a completely different — and unforgettable — experience. Across South and Central America, the holidays come alive with warm weather, deep-rooted...

El General: The Reggaeton Blueprint Before Reggaeton Existed

Reggaeton may feel like it’s everywhere right now—from global pop stars tapping into the sound to underground parties and viral playlists pushing new artists into the spotlight. But long before reggaeton became a billion-dollar global genre, it lived in much more...

Events

Related articles