Statistics Canada says retail sales reached $57.2 billion dollars in July. That was up 4.8% compared with the same month a year prior. It marked the second consecutive increase in year-over-year sales for the sector, as COVID-19 restrictions eased and regions across the country continued to reopen. Higher sales were reported in 12 of the 19 commodity categories.

Canadians continued to eat at home more, with sales of food showing the largest year-over-year increase, up 12%, for the fifth consecutive month. Food and beverage sales accounted for about 26 per cent of all retail receipts in July, up from 24 per cent the previous year.

Spending on recreational vehicles was up 47 per cent and sporting and leisure categories rose about 30 per cent.

In July, consumers continued to spend on items around the house. There was strong growth in sales of hardware and renovation supplies not elsewhere classified, up about 83 per cent.