OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says retail sales edged up 0.7 per cent to $39.4 billion in October, the fourth straight monthly increase.
In volume terms, retail sales increased 0.3 per cent, with eight of 11 subsectors reporting gains.
Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and at gasoline stations led the increase, both up 1.6 per cent in October.
Food and beverage, clothing and accessories and general merchandise merchants also reported higher sales for the month.
However, sales at furniture and home furnishings stores and electronics and appliance stores were down.
October sales rose in six provinces, led by Quebec, while sales were off 0.6 per cent in Nova Scotia and down 0.1 per cent in Saskatchewan.
