January’s retail sales rose 1.1%, coming up short of the expected 1.5% increase - but reversing December’s 0.4% drawdown…

… on broad-based strength at the category level, led on an absolute basis by a 2% gain in sales at vehicle and parts dealers.

At the regional level, Alberta did the heavy lifting (up ~4%) - but results were higher across the board…

… which should carry into February, with preliminary estimates calling for a 0.9% gain.