Building, garden sales aid retail gains

OTTAWA ― Retail sales increased 2% in May to $50.8 billion, according to StatCan, following a 0.9% decline in April. Sales rose in 8 of 11 subsectors, representing 70% of retail trade. A 5.4% hike in sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers contributed to the gain. Excluding the automotive and gasoline subsectors, sales rose by 0.9%.