News

Retail sales in Canada increase slightly in some sectors

October 23, 2012

Canadian retail sales rose 0.3 percent in August, according to numbers released by Statistics Canada, but the offset from higher food and gas prices resulted in a decline of 0.3 percent in volume, according to a report on businessweek.com.

General merchandise store sales increased for a second consecutive month, rising 0.6 percent in August. The "other general merchandise stores" industry led the gain, increasing 1.0 percent. Department store sales edged up 0.2 percent, with food and non-alcoholic beverages accounting for approximately 25 percent of sales at general merchandise stores. 

Sales at miscellaneous retailers declined for a second month in a row, falling 3.1 percent. Stores in this subsector include used merchandise stores, office supplies and stationery stores, and pet supplies stores.

Clothing and clothing accessories store sales decreased for a third month in a row, falling 1.1 percent, as lower sales were reported by all store types within this subsector.

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