retail sales fell by more than a quarter in April as motor vehicle and parts dealers took the largest hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The agency says retail sales fell 26.4 per cent to $34.7 billion in April leaving them down 33.6 per cent since physical distancing measures were implemented in mid-March.
Economists on average had expected a drop in April of 15.1 per cent, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]While essential services like grocery stores remained open, most retailers did not offer in-store shopping in April due to public health restrictions meant to slow the spread of the pandemic.However, many retailers started or expanded their online.
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