Credit and debit card spending fell sharply after the storm in Texas
StatsCan's early estimate suggests retailers saw sales fall in December, though, at the height of the holiday shopping season
Monthly sales hit $54.6 billion led by car and truck part dealers
The pandemic has accelerated the shift away from many brick-and-mortar outlets
Pent-up demand and government support may be propping up sales
Sales rose by a record 17.7%
In previous recessions, services have been the stabilizer rather than the centre of the pain
Toilet paper sales were only 81% higher than the same time last year
Grocery store sales jumped nearly 26%, signifying a shift in consumer behaviour
Some retailers have made physical locations work