Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday that the Canadian retail sales climbed 18.7 percent m-o-m to CAD41.79 billion in May, following an unrevised 26.4 percent m-o-m plunge in April. That was the biggest monthly advance on record.

Economists had forecast a 20.0 percent m-o-m surge for May.

According to the report, sales increased in 10 out of 11 subsectors, with the motor vehicle and parts dealers (+66.3 percent m-o-m, the first gain in three months), general merchandise stores (+20.4 percent m-o-m) and clothing and clothing accessories stores (+92.6 percent m-o-m) contributing the most to the May increase.

Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales rose 10.6 percent m-o-m in May compared to an unrevised 22.0 percent m-o-m decrease in April and economists’ forecast for a 12.0 percent m-o-m gain. Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations, retail sales increased 9.9 percent m-o-m in May.

In y-o-y terms, Canadian retail sales declined 18.4 percent in May, following an unrevised 32.5 percent tumble in April.