Retail

QSA's Week in Retail (#11, 2025)

StatCan releases retail data; MPs discuss US tariffs; Senator comments on Hudson's Bay; Saskatchewan retail growth; B.C. supports food manufacturing.

Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning retailers.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Join our thousands of subscribers. Sign up here!

Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Retail Services Price Index Now Available

Statistics Canada released the Retail Services Price Index for the fourth quarter of 2024. This data is crucial for retailers to assess pricing strategies and understand market trends. Industry players can use this information to align their pricing with economic realities.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Retail Trade Decline in January 2025

January 2025 saw a 0.6% decrease in retail sales, totaling $69.4 billion, led by declines at motor vehicle and parts dealers. This data offers a snapshot of consumer spending patterns and highlights potential areas for strategic adjustments in inventory and marketing.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

lobbyiq-ad — supercharge your government relations with LobbyIQ

Wholesale Services Price Index Released

The Wholesale Services Price Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 is now available. Retailers and wholesalers can leverage this data to evaluate cost structures and optimize supply chain efficiencies.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

B.C. Supports Food Manufacturing Sector

B.C. announced $6.6 million in support for food and beverage manufacturers, aiming to enhance local supply chains and create jobs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Retail Trade Growth

Saskatchewan reported an 8.8% year-over-year increase in retail trade sales from January 2024 to January 2025, reflecting economic strength.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

MP Jean Yip Visits Halal Food Wholesaler

MP Jean Yip visited Al-Jannah Halal Foods in Scarborough, discussing business supports with the owner, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Impact of US Tariffs on Canadian Retail

MP Salma Zahid discussed how US tariffs affect shopping habits, with a focus on Canadian products over US goods. This sentiment could influence sourcing strategies and consumer engagement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Hudson's Bay Store Closures

Senator Denise Batters expressed concern over Hudson's Bay liquidating and closing stores across Canada, a significant shift for the retail landscape.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Arpan Khanna Engages with Local Retailer

MP Arpan Khanna met with The Country Tool Shed in Thamesford to gather feedback on supporting small businesses, illustrating a focus on local economic growth.