LBM, garden sales down in September

OTTAWA — Retail sales edged up 0.2% to $50.9 billion in September following a relatively flat August, according to StatCan. The gain was led by food and beverage stores and, to a lesser extent, general merchandise stores and motor vehicle and parts dealers. Sales were down at gasoline stations, and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers saw a decline of 1.9%. Excluding gasoline stations, retail sales rose 0.4%.