Retail sales up 0.2 per cent in November for fifth straight monthly gain: StatsCan

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says November’s retail sales edged up 0.2 per cent to $39.4 billion, the fifth month-to-month gain in a row.

Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, as well as electronics and appliance stores, more than offset declines at most store types in November.

StatsCan says sales at auto and auto parts dealers rose 1.8 per cent in November, led by higher sales of new cars.

Electronics and appliance stores reported a sales gain of 8.9 per cent, the third increase in four months.

Gas station sales declined 2.3 per cent, mainly reflecting lower prices at the pump, while sales of building material and garden equipment and supplies were off 1.4 per cent, the fourth consecutive monthly decline.

Retail sales rose in six provinces in November.