Statistics Canada released June retail sales for the country, with cannabis sales rising from the May levels, up 2.6% to C$426.6 million, a new record for a month. May was revised slightly higher to C$415.7 million. The sales, which rose 6.0% on a per-day basis, were up 12.9% from a year ago, up from the 11.2% May growth rate. In 2022, total sales increased 17.9% to C$4.52 billion, and they have increased 12.3% during the first half of 2023.
An increase in the number of stores as well as falling flower prices that bring consumers from the illicit market have been boosting sales. In Ontario, the largest province in population, sales were up 3.3% from May and up 10% from a year ago. Alberta, which is the second-largest province, was up 1.2% from May and up 12% from a year ago. Quebec was up 1.6% from May and up 7% from a year ago, while British Columbia was up 1.7% from May as it advanced 22% from a year ago.
Hifyre IQ had forecast June sales at C$410.3 million, revised lower over the last month, based upon its data, so this was a positive surprise. The data analytics provider has been estimating July sales to be 5.1% lower, which would be 1.0% above the actual actual June level and up 9.7% from a year ago, based upon its data. Hifyre estimates sales outside of flower and pre-rolls at 29.9% in June and 29.8% in July.
The July sales data will be released on September 22nd.
