Annual Retail Trade Survey (RETR)

Summary of changes

Activity on this program started: 1933

Reference period of change - 2022

As of the 2022 reference period, the Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS) estimates are now based on the updated 2022 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS 2022). The overarching theme of the update is the digital economy. With the updated classification system, the survey's scope has changed to now include both store and non-store retailers. Online-only retailers are now classified in the same industrial groupings as their non-digital counterparts.

Reference period of change - 2017

Target population - Beginning with reference year 2017, the industry classification is based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2017.

Reference period of change - 2014

Reference years 2012 and 2013 have been revised to reflect the important improvements Statistics Canada made to its methods and processes used to compile its annual economic statistics.

Reference period of change - 2013

Statistics Canada launched the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP) to provide a more efficient model for producing economic statistics. The main objective was to enhance the economic statistics program so that it remains as robust and flexible as possible while reducing the burden on business respondents. The program changes ensure that Statistics Canada will continue to produce a consistent and coherent set of economic statistics. As well, data users and researchers can more easily combine economic data with information from other sources to undertake their analyses. These changes took effect when data for the reference year 2013 were released.

Target population - Beginning with reference year 2013, the data are classified by industry based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS 2012).

Reference period of change - 2009

As of reference year 2008, administrative (tax) data were used to estimate for small businesses below the threshold and data for the retailing establishments above the prescribed threshold were collected mainly through questionnaires, but also through direct replacement with tax data for several businesses.

Reference period of change - 2008

As of reference year 2008, the Retail Chain Survey and the Retail Store Survey (formerly record number 2446) are included in this record.

Sampling - As of reference year 2008, administrative (tax) data were used to estimate for small businesses below the threshold and data for the retailing establishments above the prescribed threshold were collected mainly through questionnaires, but also through direct replacement with tax data for several businesses.

Reference period of change - 2007

Target population - As of reference year 2007, the industry classification is based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2007.

Reference period of change - 2002

Target population - As of reference year 2002, the industry classification is based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2002.

Reference period of change - 1999

Commencing with reference year 1999, major changes were introduced to the survey. The survey questionnaire was redesigned and the North American Industrial Classification (NAICS) was implemented.

For changes that occurred prior to 1999, please refer to the document entitled History of the Annual Retail Chain Survey available in the "Documentation" section located at the end of the detailed information for this survey.

Report a problem on this page

Is something not working? Is there information outdated? Can't find what you're looking for?

Please contact us and let us know how we can help you.

Privacy notice

Date modified: