The Retail Trade industry was home to approximately 1,602 establishments and employed 24,975 people in 2023, making up 11.4% of the total workforce, thus making it one of London’s key sectors (top 3). Consumers were resilient through most of 2024. As a result, London’s nominal retail sales were set to rise 2.8% in 2024. In 2025, growth in retail sales is expected to increase to 3.4% as economic conditions improve. Wages and salaries per employee were expected to rise 3.7% in 2024 and 2.4% in 2025. At the same time, household disposable income was projected to increase 6.7% in 2024, followed by a 3.1% gain in 2025. The increase in wages and salaries per employee and household disposable income, together with consumers' resilience, might give consumers the confidence to continue spending which helps to grow the retail trade sector.
London is strategically located along major highways and is a transportation hub for the region. This makes it an attractive location for businesses to set up stores, including retailers. Top retailers with more than 100 employees in London are Canadian Tire, Finch Hyundai, Centennial Windows & Doors, Home Depot, Metro, Food Basics, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, The Beer Store - London Distribution Centre, Walmart Supercenter, Costco Wholesale, Oxford Dodge Chrysler, Canusa Automotive Warehousing Inc., Toyota Town, and T and T Supermarket.