Retail sales up 0.8 per cent to $39.5B in February: StatsCan

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 0.8 per cent to $39.5 billion in February, a second consecutive monthly sales gain.

It says higher sales were reported in seven of 11 subsectors, representing 82 per cent of total retail trade, although after removing the effects of price changes, particularly higher gasoline prices, retail sales were flat in volume terms.

The largest advance in dollar terms among all subsectors was a 2.8 per cent rise at general merchandise stores.

After three straight monthly declines, sales at gasoline stations increased 1.9 per cent as a result of higher prices at the pump.

Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose 1.0 per cent in February, the second consecutive monthly increase.

Retail sales were higher in eight provinces in February.