Apparel market in Canada - statistics & facts
The Canadian apparel market is one of the largest apparel markets worldwide, with several Canadian brands having made their mark on the global apparel market. One of the most notable brands is lululemon athletica, the activewear company which has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and had the second largest market capitalization of leading athletic apparel, accessories and footwear companies worldwide in 2024.
Despite trailing behind its neighbor, the United States, the Canadian apparel market triumphs many other countries in the world, with some boasting significantly larger populations than Canada. With athleisure giant lululemon athletica gaining popularity in recent years, Canadian brands get to share the spotlight with other global giants.
Apparel manufacturing declines while imports increase
The domestic textile, clothing, and leather product manufacturing industry in Canada has fluctuated in size since 2012, but generally showed a downward trend over the past years, perhaps following the common trend of many developed countries of outsourcing manufacturing to developing countries to keep costs low. The value of apparel imported to Canada reached almost 15.4 billion Canadian dollars in 2024. This was a slight increase compared to the previous year and a five billion Canadian dollar difference since the value of apparel imports from 2011.Women’s clothing drives retail sales
Clothing store retail sales in Canada amounted to approximately 32.9 billion Canadian dollars in 2024, up from 32.4 billion Canadian dollars in the previous year. Over the years, the retail sales of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing stores have been consistently highest in the fourth quarter, most likely because of the holiday season. Women’s clothing stores make significantly higher sales than men’s, selling over two billion Canadian dollars more in Q3 of 2024.Despite trailing behind its neighbor, the United States, the Canadian apparel market triumphs many other countries in the world, with some boasting significantly larger populations than Canada. With athleisure giant lululemon athletica gaining popularity in recent years, Canadian brands get to share the spotlight with other global giants.
